
When Heather Elvins’ father entered the Isabel Hospice In-Patient Unit in June 2024, it marked the culmination of a journey tied to the legacy of the hospice’s founder, Isabel Last. Heather and her mother, Patricia, both knew Isabel personally, long before she pioneered the hospice that would later offer such compassionate care to their family. Their connection to Isabel Last and their experience of her vision in action has left an indelible impact on their lives.
In the final days of his life, Heather’s father, aged 95, was living with complications from heart failure. He was clear about his wishes—he did not want to die in a hospital. For the family, who had been caring for him at home, the final week had been particularly challenging and emotionally draining.
“In his last days, it became so chaotic and exhausting. We had been his carers, but when he was admitted to the In-Patient Unit, we were able to be his family again. Just to sit with him, to focus on him,” Heather recalls. “Even though he was only there for 24 hours, the care and attention the nurses provided were incredible.”
The family found solace in the peaceful surroundings of the hospice. They spent time in the garden, which Heather describes as a “relaxing, lovely, gorgeous place.” This serenity offered a stark contrast to the physical and emotional intensity of caregiving at home. For Heather, the experience of being cared for by Isabel Hospice was deeply moving.
“Being on the receiving end of Isabel’s legacy was incredibly touching, especially after knowing her personally,” Heather says. “It brought things full circle.”
Decades earlier, both Patricia and Heather had crossed paths. Patricia first met Isabel in 1968 when she worked as a teacher at Templewood School in Welwyn Garden City and Isabel would teach in the summer as their schools swimming instructor. Isabel’s determination and compassion were evident even then.
“Isabel had a way of connecting with the children in her classes,” Patricia shares. “She never gave up on anyone. Even as her illness progressed, she stayed poolside, teaching and encouraging the children. Her dedication was remarkable.”
Heather, who was taught by Isabel in the early 1970s, vividly remembers her as a teacher who inspired her students, even as she faced the challenges of living with cancer. “She was so determined. She didn’t let her disease define her,” Heather reflects. “Her honesty and resilience made her a role model for me. Watching her continue doing what she loved was profoundly humbling.”
“I found her as such a huge inspirational character because I knew she had cancer and I watched the impact of how that affected her, but at the same time I watched her carry on doing what she loved, despite all of that.” she says. “Growing up, nobody would really talk about cancer, you know? It wasn’t something that was really talked about.”
“Isabel was just so honest about her condition. I would say that was what made her a role model. I think that was her legacy.” says Heather.
Heather revisited the In-Patient Unit following her dad’s death. She said “I went back a few days after we lost Dad, and I wrote in the memory book. After I walked in, Julie [Curtis] was stood at the nurse’s station, and she knew who I was, asked how I was, asked how Mum was and then offered me a hug. Up until that point I’d had very little interaction, but it was that emotional awareness she had which just reflected what Isabel herself was all about. That emotional ability to connect with people really relates to her life.”
Heather believes Isabel would be proud of the hospice and the profound impact it has had on countless lives. “Knowing Isabel, she would probably be so humble and say, ‘It’s not all about me!’ But the care we received is a testament to her vision.”
To find out more about how Isabel Hospice can support you, please our website at: https://www.isabelhospice.org.uk/aboutus/