Margaret used our Hospice in Your Home services when her husband of 42 years, John, became unwell and she needed extra help caring for him at home.

Love blossoming, and change

John and Margaret were happily married for over four decades. Originally, John was Margaret’s accountant and that’s where their love blossomed.

Unfortunately, John’s health began to deteriorate before the pandemic, and he suffered from multiple health problems, including major sight loss and osteoporosis.

A fear of hospitals

Margaret was John’s sole carer for seven years. She learned a lot about nursing in this time, even doing his injections for him.

“John had a lifetime fear of hospitals,” remembers Margaret, “so I did as much as I could for him at home.  

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to look after John,’” says Margaret. ‘I would do it all again and I know with all my heart that he would have done the same for me.’ 

Treated with dignity

In the last week of John’s life, however, Margaret was struggling with the stress and strain of looking after him. She explains: “My GP suggested the Hospice’s Hospice in Your Home service. This was perfect for John because he would have really hated going to a hospital.

“Using Notts Hospice meant that John could be looked after in comfort at home, by trained, caring staff.

“The nurses from Notts Hospice were so kind and respectful to John,” remembers Margaret. “They treated him with dignity. What’s more, I could get some rest which was very much needed.”

A good death

Margaret feels that Notts Hospice gave John as good a death as possible: “I will forever be grateful to the caring, compassionate staff at Notts Hospice.” Help others like John and Margaret. Support our Light Up A Life appeal today, and know you’re ensuring others can have a good death, surrounded by loved ones and home comforts.