Cost-of-living crisis. Soaring costs. Lower income.

“Your donation will help our patients receive the very best end-of-life care. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of the Ashgate Hospice team, dedicated to delivering the expert care that local people ought to have at the end of their lives.”

It meant everything to Penny to be by Mick’s side all day and night. At Ashgate, we understand just how important those last days and weeks are, not only for the patient but for their loved ones left behind. It is those memories that Penny holds on to. And its why we can never compromise on the quality of care we deliver.

Penny said “Being at the hospice feels like someone has wrapped a blanket around you, like you’re getting a hug. It’s the people who make it feel that way.

“When Mick was admitted for the second time, we knew it would be the last. My big, cuddly husband became thin, frail and not much longer for this world – just a few days.

“We’d been together 24/7 for the last 30 years and the thought of being apart now engulfed me in sadness. But once again, the hospice’s team came together and pulled out all the stops for us.

“Sleeping by Mick meant we didn’t lose a minute together. I was blessed to have another eight weeks with him at the hospice before he died.

“We planned to make lots of memories when Mick was diagnosed but we didn’t get the chance because he lost his mobility quickly. So being able to spend the last eight weeks together with nowhere else to be and nothing else to do was precious.

“Having nowhere else to be except by my husband’s side meant the world to both of us.”