These are the words of Cat, whose husband Barry was cared for at St Vincent’s Hospice.
Your gift today will help families like Cat’s find comfort, compassion, and expert care – when they need it most.
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Before St Vincent’s, Cat was doing everything she could to hold life together.
“I was Barry’s carer. I was trying to be strong all the time – and I didn’t realise how much I needed help.”
That help arrived with one phone call.
“The moment I spoke to the community nurses, I felt this huge sense of relief. I knew there was someone at the other end of the phone – someone who had us.”
From that moment on, Cat never felt alone again.
The hospice team didn’t rush. They listened. They came out to the house. They saw the whole family – not just the situation. Barry’s mum and dad were supported too. His sister was included. Everyone was made to feel part of the circle of care.
“They were amazing. The pressure it took off me straight away – I just felt this unwavering support.”
Still, the idea of the hospice carried fear.
“In my head, the word hospice meant something really scary. I didn’t want Barry to come in. I was terrified.”
But when Barry was admitted to St Vincent’s Hospice in 2023, everything Cat thought she knew about hospices changed.
“Not even a day after Barry arrived, the staff just wrapped around us. It was like they were protecting me.”
For the first time in a long time, Cat could stop worrying – and start being present. Not just as a career, but as a wife. And alongside Barry’s parents and sister, they were able to focus on being a family.
“I could spend 100% quality time with Barry. I wasn’t thinking about care, medication, or what I had to do next – I could just be his wife.”
At St Vincent’s, care meant more than medicine.
There were movie days. Afternoon teas with wee cakes. Football nights with friends. Takeaway Saturdays. Weekend sleepovers so their son Callum could stay with his dad. Even the family dog, Rosie, was welcomed in for cuddles on the bed.
“These were things I could never have managed on my own. But here, they just happened.”
Barry was a private man – and what mattered most to him was knowing his family was supported. Seeing Cat cared for. Seeing his mum, dad and sister included. Knowing Callum was surrounded by love.
“Seeing how well we were looked after gave Barry comfort. He could relax, knowing we were safe.”
The nurses noticed everything. A look. A pause. A moment where Cat needed space – or a chat.
“They could tell by my face if something was bothering me. It was like gentle counselling, every single day.”
When the end came, it came with kindness and dignity.
“I will never forget the kindness and support shown by the Nurses – I don’t know how I would have managed to get through this without them.”
Barry died at St Vincent’s Hospice on 9 December 2023, surrounded by the people who loved him most.
“I wish this had never happened to us. But I don’t know what I would have done without this place.”
Two years on, St Vincent’s is still there for Cat – and for Barry’s wider family too.
She attends the Wellbeing Hub every Friday. She’s built friendships with people who understand without needing explanations. She fundraises. She stays connected.
“I don’t think I could ever cut that connection. This place carried us through the hardest time of our lives.
In 2025, Cat attended three hospice events – not because she was asked to, but because she wanted to.
Barry had been a football coach for their son, Callum, for years. That same football community now gives back in Barry’s name. Friends from the football team ran fundraising stalls. Barry’s sister organised and took part in the Kiltwalk last year in Barry’s memory. Cat’s sister and brother in law also helped organise a race night, alongside the football team. Even her nephew got involved by being our Vinnie mascot at our First Christmas Fayre.
Together, they’ve raised vital funds so other families can receive the same care, compassion and dignity they did.
“It’s just nice knowing you still have that connection. You’re giving to a cause that’s so close to your heart – helping people the same way others helped my family.”
For Cat, supporting the hospice is a way of saying thank you. A way of keeping Barry’s legacy alive. A way of honouring the love and strength of his whole family. A way of making sure no family ever feels alone.
“Please don’t be afraid of hospice. It’s not what many people imagine – it’s so much more. If you ever find yourself going through a dark and overwhelming time, the hospice can be a true lifeline, offering comfort, dignity, and compassionate support when you need it most.”
Your support makes this care possible
Care at St Vincent’s Hospice is free for families – but it’s only possible because of people like you.
This summer, your gift will help ensure:
• Families feel supported, not scared
• Carers can just be wives, husbands, mums and dads again
• People are surrounded by kindness, dignity and humanity
Please give today – and help St Vincent’s continue to be the only place families need to be when it matters most. 💙
Whether you can give a little or a lot, please know this: you are helping make every moment matter.
If you have any questions or would prefer to donate over the phone, our Fundraising Team is here to help on 01505 705635.
With love and gratitude,
