Fiona and Peter’s Story: A Lasting Legacy of Kindness

When someone you love needs end-of-life care, having the right support can make all the difference. Peter Humphries shares his experience of St Mary’s Hospice, the compassion shown to his wife Fiona, and why leaving a gift in a will mattered so much to them both.

This is Peter’s story.

On 5 July 2024, my wife Fiona was diagnosed with motor neurone disease at Royal Preston Hospital. She was desperate to come home, and on 26 July I brought her back. By then, Fiona could no longer speak or swallow and was being fed through a tube. It quickly became clear that I was struggling to cope alone.

Thankfully, St Mary’s Hospice became involved, and on 31 July Fiona was admitted to their In-Patient Unit. We were incredibly fortunate that a bed was available. Fiona passed away peacefully on 7 August, with a young nurse called Ainsley staying by my side until the end. Her kindness meant more to me than words can express.

But St Mary’s care did not stop there.

After Fiona’s death, they continued to support me. Fiona was 73, and we had been married for 52 years. We had no children. Fiona had chosen to leave a gift to St Mary’s Hospice in her will. When I visited the hospice to deliver the cheque, I met Helen, who spent over an hour listening to my story, my memories, and my grief. That moment marked the beginning of the ongoing support I receive today.

I now attend complementary therapy sessions every two weeks at the Barrow Hub, which has helped me immensely. Fiona and I supported the hospice in small ways during our lives, through the hospice lottery and by donating furniture when we downsized. I now give regular donations and contribute alongside my therapy sessions.

At the age of 82, I also took part in the Walk to Remember, raising over £700 thanks to the generosity of friends, family, and neighbours.

We never imagined we would need St Mary’s Hospice. But when we did, they were there for us, with compassion, dignity, and care that continues long after loss.