Published:
10:33 AM May 5, 2021
Updated:
12:43 PM May 5, 2021
Dr Sarah Bell, medical director at Garden House Hospice Care, will be answering your questions about end of life planning
- Credit: Garden House Hospice Care
Garden House Hospice Care is joining national charity Hospice UK for their annual campaign, Dying Matters Awareness Week, which runs from May 10 to 16.
Dying Matters Awareness Week is a chance to break down the taboo of talking about dying, death and bereavement, and open up the conversation about the subject, which affects everyone.
This year s theme for Dying Matters Awareness Week is #InAGoodPlace
- Credit: Garden House Hospice Care
Published:
12:00 PM February 9, 2021
Carl leaves behind his wife Samantha, daughters Ruby-Lyn and Pearl, and stepson Lewis
- Credit: Courtesy of Samantha Holland
The grieving widow of a man who lost his young life to cancer has written and performed a heart-breaking song in his memory, and is raising money for the hospice where he died.
Baldock s Carl Holland was diagnosed with cancer on July 4 last year and died in Letchworth s Garden House Hospice, in the arms of his wife Samantha, on September 15. The 35-year-old left behind his daughters - six-year-old Ruby-Lyn and four-year-old Pearl - and stepson Lewis, aged 18.
Carl s symptoms began in March last year, and he was diagnosed with a hernia until stage four cancer was discovered. Carl was put on a waiting list for palliative chemotherapy, but deteriorated very quickly and was too weak for treatment when the time came, Samantha explained.
Gary, who ran and owned Offley Stores, wanted to stay at home with his family by his side. The hospice team came in every day to make sure he was as comfortable and as cared for as possible, they also provided such incredible support to the whole family in the weeks leading up to Gary’s death and in the months following. We will always be thankful for the care and compassion they showed.“
Katie has been training for the London Marathon for over a year now. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her place was deferred from 2020 and she will be now taking part on her 29th birthday this October.
“Since starting the challenge in July, I had just three days off: one for a planned brain operation, the next day to recover and another when the weather stopped me.
“Fortunately, as my daily walk only used to take 60 to 90 minutes, I could plan them around the weather forecast so I only got caught in a few showers.
John Lambert is walking the distance of Pennine Way to raise money for Garden House Hospice Care, after the charity supported his wife Sue through her terminal cancer. Picture: Garden House Hospice Care
- Credit: Archant
“I would like to thank everyone who donated money to my Pennine Way walk and those people who supported by accompanying me on these walks and giving me encouragement.