Last Christmas, our Hospice at Home team cared for Valerie Chinsky during the final days of her life. She passed away at our In-Patient Unit on January 8th 2022.

Her daughter Susannah said: “Mum had been having chemo up until the end of November, but by December, she was getting so weak and we were struggling to get her to her appointments. Her consultant said he didn’t recommend continuing anymore and it was clear that the cancer was really taking hold.

“Mum was living with us and we were struggling. I was still working part time, running the house and trying to shield the children from what was happening even though they could see how poorly she was.

“I spoke to the Hospice on Christmas Eve and they said as soon as a window opened up they would come out to us. They came on Christmas morning and it was honestly the best Christmas present I’ve ever had in my life.

“We had been struggling for what felt so long but these nurses came into our home with such compassion and care. They were so capable and made caring for Mum look so effortless. Having them there gave me time to cook Christmas dinner, be with our girls and bring Mum in her wheelchair to the Christmas table.

“They gave us back our Christmas Day, supported us all when we were at our lowest and were so wonderful with Mum. To have that last Christmas with Mum was such an extraordinary gift, and I can’t put into words how much that means to us.”