Our dear friend Laura was diagnosed with an incurable and aggressive brain tumour known as GBM, back in 2020. At the time, her two sons were 9 months and 5 years old. She faced brain surgery and chemo mostly alone, as Covid had just hit the UK. Having braved another brain surgery and another round of chemo, sadly no more treatment was available on the NHS and St.Margaret’s Hospice took over much of Laura’s care. The Hospice is partly funded, but also relies on the fund raising efforts of the community it supports. Without this the hospice would be unable to carry on its invaluable work in our community, where it provides free hospice care to around 5,000 people each year. 

Sadly, Laura lost her brave battle on the 26th August 2023. Before entering hospice care, this is what Laura had to say:

Hearing the words hospice referral may be the most terrifying two words I have ever heard. My immediate reaction was that I’m not there yet. I still have time. But hospice care is so much more than end of life care. Since my referral I have received incredible support to guide myself and my family through the most difficult of times. The hospice also provide holistic and complementary therapies offering patients relief, peace and calm. We have been measured up for handrails, a stairlift, a hospital chair and will receive a wheelchair. These are huge changes but it has been handled sensitively and efficiently to ensure I am getting all the help available. Home visits have provided support, connection and understanding. My support worker is the person I can ask the hard questions to. For me, ensuring my husband and I are guided through the incredibly painful process of telling our children that I won’t get better is paramount. St.Margaret’s have been with us every step of the way. They also extend their family services, meaning my mother can benefit from their counselling too. It is comforting to know that this can continue after my death and that my husband and children will have continued access to professional support. The hospice have been fundamental in guiding us through this preparatory stage by helping us with the necessary paperwork, so that when the time comes, legalities are in place, ensuring an already terribly tragic process is not made harder. Knowing that the hospice is just down the road and open 24 hours to family and friends is incredibly reassuring. I know I will be kept comfortable and be near my children and husband. With your support, St Margaret’s can continue to make a difference for families going through the unimaginable. Anything you can spare would be so greatly appreciated and will really make a difference.

Laura was admitted to the hospice for round the clock specialist nursing support at the end of June, where she was kept comfortable and well cared for by the team. She fought bravely until her passing on the 26th August 2023.  Laura was a truly special soul, who brightened the lives of all who were lucky enough to know her. She will be greatly missed, but such a kind and beautiful person will never be forgotten, and now Jess and I will run the Cardiff Half Marathon in honour of her memory .

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