Mags St Mary’s Hospice journey

Mags first came to St Mary’s Hospice in 2022, when her daughter Gayle was admitted for end-of-life care, an experience no parent ever expects to face. In those most difficult days, Mags has spoken about the compassion shown not only to Gayle, but to their whole family, bringing comfort when it was needed most.

After Gayle’s passing, Mags continued to receive bereavement support through the hospice. During this time, she shared her and Gayle’s love of sewing and crafts. It was then she learned about memory bears, handmade keepsakes created from the clothing of loved ones who have died. Each bear transforms cherished items, from football shirts to rosettes, into something families can hold onto, offering comfort and connection.

The service had been run by a volunteer named Glenda, who made the bears in exchange for donations to the hospice. When Glenda prepared to leave the area, she reached out in hopes someone could continue this meaningful work. Mags didn’t hesitate. She stepped forward.

Since becoming a volunteer, Mags has made over 40 memory bears and cushions. Each one is crafted with care, shaped by the wishes of the family and her own deep understanding of loss. As Mags says, “I understand how important they are because I know what it means to lose someone you love.”

Alongside her volunteering, Mags was encouraged to attend a bereavement craft group at the Hub in Barrow. What began as a gentle step, just being around others, became something much more. The group gave her routine, friendship, and a space where no explanations were needed. It has since become such an important part of her life that she joined a second group at the hospice in Ulverston.

For Mags, volunteering is a way to give back, to honour the care her family received, and to use her skills to support others through grief.

We are incredibly grateful to Mags. Her strength, generosity, and compassion have transformed personal loss into something that brings comfort to others, a powerful reminder of the difference our volunteers make every day.