June’s Story

Following the death of her husband three and a half years ago on our Inpatient Unit, June received one-to-one bereavement support.

As her support came to an end, she was encouraged to attend one of our Tuesday community groups. Although her daughter brought her to the hospice for the first session, neither of them expected June to stay. Looking back, June says that decision changed her life.

Since then, June has become a regular member of both our gardening and craft groups, building friendships, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. She now travels independently on the local community bus to attend the hospice – something her family never imagined she would have the confidence to do.

When asked what the groups have meant to her, June said: “Everything. Without the support of the hospice, I would have felt lost following my husband’s death. Instead, I have found friendship, confidence and a place where I feel I belong.”

June recently celebrated her 90th birthday with friends at the gardening group, complete with cake, balloons and flowers picked from the hospice garden.

More recently, June’s GP commented on how much brighter and more positive she sounded during a telephone appointment. After seven years of taking medication for anxiety, her GP felt she no longer needed it.

“Coming to the hospice groups has made the difference,” said June. “I recommend St Mary’s Hospice to anyone who may need support; it’s helped me rebuild my life.”