Vicky Wright’s Story

“When my sister Helen was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, our family came together to support her. Helen had an incredibly positive outlook on life and always believed in making changes if something wasn’t right. She had already done this in the past when she left her job to become a vet’s receptionist, a role she truly loved. One of her greatest joys was holidaying in Pollensa, Majorca, a place that she considered one of her favourites.

My sister was first admitted to the Inpatient unit (IPU) at The Mary Stevens Hospice for pain management. Having already survived breast cancer eight years earlier, Helen initially decided she wanted to spend her final days at home. Her husband David, their daughters Beth and Hannah, and the rest of our family stepped in to care for her. However, the pressure of the situation became overwhelming, and we sought support from the hospice.

Helen ultimately chose to spend her final days at the hospice and once she was settled into her room, we were able to reconnect as a family, no longer in the role of caregivers but as loved ones sharing precious time together. This was made possible by the amazing team of nurses who not only cared for Helen but also made sure we were looked after. I’ll always remember the small, thoughtful gestures - cups of tea, toast, and the fact that they always had time for us.

It was these little things that made all the difference. We felt respected and cared for, just as Helen did, and we were especially grateful for the extra compassion given to her daughters.There were so many tender moments we had, like laughing together as Helen enjoyed lemon sticky buns in her bed, we reminisced about good times, and we even made a clay handprint as a lasting memorial. We were given the time, space, and privacy we needed to create unforgettable memories.

When Helen died, there were eight of us gathered around her bed. Coldplay music played softly in the background, and everything just felt right.

Helen was able to have the dignified death she had hoped for, thanks to the holistic care provided by the hospice. It made us all realise that a good death is possible, and we felt privileged that Helen was able to experience that. My beautiful Sister, Helen was just 54 years old, when she died in 2017.

Today, I work at The Mary Stevens Hospice, supporting families through similar experiences. With deep admiration for the care provided here, I remember my sister’s time here with dignity, calmness, and compassion.

I miss her every day, but I find comfort in knowing I’m helping others in the same way we were helped.”