Barbara Dean (Mum) spent her last hours at Exeter HOSPISCARE and was treated extremely kindly, professionally and with the utmost sensitivity and dignity.  Thanks to the facilities at HOSPISCARE, Mum died in her sleep surrounded by her family, many of whom stayed overnight, or slept for an hour or so, in rooms specifically provided for family and friends.

During the early hours, when I couldn't sleep and whilst Mum was resting, I noticed a poster in a hallway advertising a one mile open-water swim charity event, in aid of the hospice.  I said there and then that I wanted to participate and the time has finally come!! So, on Saturday 26 September - this weekend - I will join many others and swim a 1 mile course at Roadford Lake, nr Dartmoor National Park.

I hope you are able to sponsor me for this swim - please follow the link provided; and don't forget......the water will be so very cold (sympathy), the distance so great (more sympathy) and the cause so good (much agreement), that I'm sure you will want to help me raise lots of money for this fantastic cause -- the money goes directly to HOSPISCARE and will help them to provide continued support to families like ours.  The wonderful staff and facilities at HOSPISCARE made such a difference to Mum's final hours, and our experiences (and now lasting memories) of this very emotional time.

With Love,

Bill