Linda’s Journey with St Mary’s Hospice

Grief can feel overwhelming, especially when it arrives unexpectedly. For Linda, losing her husband Ray after 50 years together turned her world upside down. In this story, she shares how St Mary’s Hospice helped her navigate loss, discover new friendships, and find purpose through volunteering and how the hospice continues to be a lifeline for her and so many others.

Linda’s Journey with St Mary’s Hospice

In February 2022, my world changed forever. My husband Ray died suddenly after a massive heart attack. He was airlifted to Blackpool Hospital but, heartbreakingly, passed away two days later. After 50 years together, his loss left me, and my children, Emma and David, along with their families, devastated.

Emma began attending counselling with Linda Nott at St Mary’s Hospice and found it incredibly supportive. She suggested I might benefit from meeting Linda too, and I’m so glad I did. My sessions with her helped me begin to come to terms with my grief and find some peace.

Linda also recommended the Tuesday Gardening Club at St Mary’s. This has been an absolute lifeline, especially as I lost two close friends the same year Ray passed away. The club has become a place of friendship, laughter, and shared support. Linda and volunteer Alison always give a warm welcome, and even though we often chat so much over our coffee that little gardening gets done, our laughter fills the space. Tim, the gardener, keeps us on our toes when he “chivvies” us along, but it’s all part of the fun!

Grateful for all the support I’ve received, I wanted to give something back. I now volunteer on alternate Thursdays with the Memory Lane dementia group, which is as rewarding for me as it is for those I help. I also volunteer at the new Friday morning Craft Club. As a hobby, I paint small glass vases with flowers, birds, butterflies, and animals, which I sell to support the hospice.

St Mary’s has been a constant source of comfort, friendship, and purpose in my life. I’m so thankful for everything they do, and continue to do, for people like me.