Chloe Rumsey will always be grateful to Ashgate Hospice after its team ensured her mum was able to fulfil her wish of getting married before she died. 

Claire Sivorn, a teaching assistant from Chesterfield, was diagnosed with secondary cancer in her spine in October 2020. 

She was set to get married to her partner, Craig Sivorn, in July but doctors advised that she brought the wedding forward due to the deterioration of her condition.  

With the support of Ashgate, who provided a photographer, flowers and helped sort out a venue, they were able to tie the knot at Chesterfield Town Hall.  

After weeks of care on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit, she died at home with her family by her side on 6th May, aged just 55.  

Daughter, Chloe, aged 26, said: “Everyone says it about their own but my mum really was one of a kind – she was amazing.  

“She was always thinking of others and looking out for them and always singing – usually the wrong words but she loved it. We use sunflowers to represent her as she really did brighten up a room. 

“My mum was a patient in Ashgate’s Inpatient Unit for a few weeks after being in hospital with a blood clot in her leg. 

“She had 24-hour care and a physio which enabled her to build the strength to stand and walk so it was safe for her to come home.  

“The support they provided with the wedding meant the world to Mum as it took a little stress away for her. 

“Although her original plans changed, it meant she could get married and that is all she wanted.” 

As well as the care Claire received, Chloe has received counselling from Ashgate’s Supportive Care team. 

Her counsellor, who was called Annie, made a huge difference. She says it helped to “talk to someone about what mum was dealing with and what we were going through as a family”. 

Chloe, a Creative Artworker who lives in Huddersfield, added: “It was a very confusing time, and it still is, but she listened and helped me try and understand. I’m grateful she was there for me to talk to.” 

Chloe knows all too well how difficult Christmastime can be as a few days before Christmas 2020 was when the family learned that Claire’s cancer was terminal.  

Which is why she has chosen to support the hospice’s Light Up a Life appeal, which gives people the chance to poignantly remember their loved ones in the lead up to the festive season.  

“I always thought hospices were where old people went at the end of their life,” said Chloe. “Our mum wanted to prove that they weren’t just that. That they could support you and help you receive care at home too. 

“During mum’s last few days, myself, my brothers, my boyfriend, my sister-in-law and my mum’s partner were all by her side every day.

“I couldn’t ask for better and Mum always sung Ashgate’s praises and was happy with the care she received. 

“Our family know first-hand how hard Christmas can be for some families, but the hospice’s Light Up a Life event is a fitting way to remember our loved ones this winter whilst supporting the charity. 

“I’ll be shining my lantern in memory of my lovely mum this year and I hope you will be joining me too.” 

For the first time, Ashgate is inviting people to dedicate a special lantern to their loved ones which can be personalised and displayed at home.  

There is also the option to join hundreds of others in a lantern procession to the hospice on the evening of Sunday 4th December. 

Once at the hospice, everyone will all come together for a special remembrance event in the beautifully lit garden, where there will be time to reflect, as well as gentle music and refreshments.  

Find out more about Ashgate Hospice’s Light Up a Life campaign.