Both Steve and Pauline had lost a partner before they met each other. Sitting side by side on the flight home, it just started with a conversation. As Pauline says: “the rest was history.”
Over 21 years later, with the support of our Spiritual Care Team, In-Patient Unit and Day Services teams, the couple were able to mark their relationship with a blessing surrounded by the people closest to them. Staff helped transform the hospice Day Services Unit for the occasion, decorating the space with confetti and beautiful red roses, while friends and family gathered to share the day.
The celebrations finished with cake, nibbles and fizz for guests, before the evening continued out onto the patio, where live jazz played as everyone relaxed together in the sunshine.
Pauline said: "It was something we'd wanted to do for a while, and it was perfection. The emotion that went into the service, and how everything was brought together - we couldn't believe it. It was so special."
Steve added: "It was a dream come true."
“Steve has always supported me, we’ve supported each other. We’ve also had the best times.”
Ruth Radley, Spiritual Care Lead at The Mary Stevens Hospice, said: "It was a privilege to help Steve and Pauline celebrate their relationship. Seeing everyone come together to make the day so special for them was wonderful, and we're grateful to everyone involved in making it happen."
Occasions like these are only possible because of the care and compassion shown by everyone at The Mary Stevens Hospice, and the generosity of those who support our work.
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