When Dawn Roberts, who recently turned 60, took early retirement from her role as a primary school headteacher in 2022, it was to care full-time for her mum, Shirley Ann Shaw. Shirley had been living with mixed dementia for some years, and later was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  

Thanks to Ashgate Hospice’s support, Shirley was able to stay at home in the village she loved, with her family close by, right until the end. 

A journey from distance to closeness

Dawn hadn’t always been close to her mum, their early family life had been difficult, but over time their relationship deepened, especially after Shirley moved into a nearby house just two doors down from Dawn in Newton. 

“My husband and I took Mum on 17 different holidays before she was too ill to travel,” Dawn recalls. “She never thought she’d go abroad, but we visited Malta, Cyprus, Florida, and many places in the UK too. Mum loved joining in with everything, especially our trips to garden centres for coffee, tea and cake.” 

A life well-lived, with home at the heart

Shirley was born in Peterborough but had lived in Derbyshire since 1975. She was fiercely independent, living alone until the age of 88, when she died in January 2025. 

“She loved her home. It was her sanctuary, and it meant everything to her to be cared for there,” Dawn explains. 

Before her health began to decline, Shirley kept busy with holidays, days out to stately homes and antique fairs alongside her late husband. She trained as a nurse after raising her four children, a reflection of her kindness, discipline, and strong spirit. 

Facing illness with courage and care

In November 2024, aged 88, Shirley was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on top of her dementia. Dawn admits it was a difficult time. 

“I worried about how we’d manage her care at home, especially with equipment and knowing who to contact. But Ashgate Hospice stepped in and answered all our questions with kindness and understanding.” 

Care that made all the difference

A district nurse from Shirley’s GP surgery contacted Ashgate on their behalf, and soon Amanda Hall visited to arrange a care package. Mum received visits four times a day, which gave Dawn the chance to be her daughter again, not just a full-time carer. 

“The team drained Mum’s abdomen twice at home, which saved her from hospital stays. Heather, one of the nurses, kept Mum cheerful with her laughter and warmth. We asked for honest communication, and the team always explained what to expect, preparing us for each stage.” 

The palliative care team was a vital support, providing ‘just in case’ medication and guidance when needed. Dawn says the daily calls checking in on both Mum and the family were a great comfort. 

Honouring Mum’s wishes

Thanks to this support, Shirley was able to spend her final weeks at home, surrounded by the people who meant the most to her. Dawn and her daughter stayed by her side, feeling supported and prepared. 

“One moment I’ll always remember is when Mum chose to start the syringe driver to manage her hallucinations. Even though her communication was limited, they always made sure she understood and asked what she wanted. She was so grateful to be spending her last days at home, with her girls.” 

Gratitude that lasts beyond goodbye

Dawn says she will be forever thankful to Ashgate. 

“They are utterly amazing. We simply couldn’t have managed Mum’s care at home without them.” 

And even after Shirley’s death, the team continued to check in, offering their kindness and support. 

A message for others

Dawn encourages anyone unsure about asking for hospice help to reach out without hesitation. 

“Ashgate are the experts. They know what care and equipment can make each day easier in those final stages.” 

She is clear on the importance of funding too. 

“It’s ridiculous that Ashgate receives less than a third of its funding from the NHS. They provide such a vital service and deserve more support. I thought hospices were fully funded, but that’s not the case, more people need to know.” 

Supporting care at home, supporting families

Dawn reflects on how hospice care is about more than just the person who is dying. 

“The hospice team felt like friends to all of us. They prepared me so well for what Mum was going through, and that made all the difference. Their knowledge, care, and ongoing support helped us honour Mum’s wishes and navigate those last weeks with confidence.”