“I always promised Harry that I would care for him at home and not put him in hospital. Isabel Hospice made this promise possible for which I will be forever grateful.”

In 2017, Jean was caring for her husband Harry at their home in Hoddesdon as he was living with prostate cancer. As his illness exacerbated, the round-the-clock care became unmanageable for Jean. So, following a recommendation from her doctor, she reached out to Isabel Hospice for support.

Harry was cared for at home by Isabel Hospice community services team, for several months prior to his death in October 2017.

Jean said “towards the end, Harry required extra special attention as he was unconscious. From day one the nurses who came were so supportive and nothing was too much trouble for them.”

After Harry had died in the place of his choice and having received such outstanding care, Jean wished to express her thanks and give back to Isabel Hospice through a gift in her will. For the patients and families in the eastern Hertfordshire community to receive care for years to come.

Jean also gives back to Isabel Hospice by volunteering in the Hoddesdon shop, since 2017.

She said, “volunteering is a very rewarding exercise, as you meet likeminded people and forge friendships with them. Hoddesdon is a very friendly shop with both male and female volunteers, who like me are wanting to make a difference to look after people and give their carers some help when its most needed.”

“I hope after hearing my story you will consider leaving a gift in your will. Without these donations the care and services would have to be scaled back or ceased as only a small amount of funding is available [from the NHS].”

Leaving a Gift in your Will could be the biggest difference you ever make; it allows Isabel Hospice to look after 1 in every 5 patients and their families every year.

If like Jean, you would like to leave a gift in your will please visit isabelhospice.org.uk/legacy to find out more or if you would like to speak to someone directly, please email lisa.bailey@isabelhospice.org.uk or call 01707 954850.

Alternatively, if you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities at Isabel Hospice, please visit isabelhospice.org.uk/volunteer or contact the Volunteer team by emailing volunteer.office@isabelhospice.org.uk or by calling 01707 384889