Hospice Care Week: Beryl’s Story

This year’s Hospice Care Week (5 – 11 October 2026) theme – Don’t leave hospice care to chance – is a reminder that while everyone deserves access to compassionate care and support right to the end, hospices are underfunded and under more pressure than ever.

Throughout the week, we’re sharing stories from across St Mary’s and introducing you to some of the people who make a difference – the people who don’t leave hospice care to chance.

Beryl is one of our amazing volunteers, supporting on the busy reception desk at St Mary’s Hospice and in our retail shop in Ulverston.

Beryl started volunteering after retiring as a Deputy Head Teacher, having already formed a connection with St Mary’s when her dear friend, Cath, was cared for at the hospice 20 years ago.

Beryl and Cath met while Beryl was teaching in Barrow.

“Very unfortunately, Cath was diagnosed with cancer,” Beryl explained. “When she was receiving palliative care at St Mary’s, I came to visit her. I was shocked initially, as I thought a hospice would be similar to a hospital; it was so different. I also remember how patient and caring the nurses were with Cath throughout her time here.

“During my last visit to see her, Cath said how sad it was that she couldn’t go to her daughter’s wedding, so the St Mary’s team created a mock wedding so they could have the experience together. Her daughter even came in her wedding dress!”

For Beryl, it was a moment that showed her what hospice care can really mean, not simply caring for someone when they are unwell, but understanding what matters to them and finding ways to make special moments possible.

It was an experience that stayed with Beryl and, years later, inspired her to become part of the St Mary’s team herself.

Beryl started volunteering 18 years ago. She explained: “I was made to feel so welcome by everyone. I’ve felt part of the hospice team from top to bottom for those 18 years. It’s been the nicest experience.”

Volunteers like Beryl are at the heart of St Mary’s, giving their time, skills and compassion to help make sure the care and support our community needs is never left to chance.