Back in December my mum went to a doctors appointment with complaints of some breathlessness and stomach pains.

After blood work and a trip to the hospital for some testing, we got the shattering news my mum had pancreatic cancer.

A week or so later the news got worse; we were then informed her cancer was at an advanced stage and had already spread. This meant her diagnosis was terminal, and my mum was given a prognosis of 3-6 months without treatment and a hopeful 6-12 months with treatment.

After a few appointments with specialists she made the brave decision to try chemotherapy.

Sadly after just her second chemotherapy treatment her body couldn't take the treatment and she ended up in hospital. It was here they found the cancer had created some complications and there was no further treatment they could offer my mum. It was at this point we were told my mum will possibly only have a matter of weeks left to live.

After just over a week in hospital she was given a bed at the Martlets Hospice in Hove.

The Martlets have provided such a safe and comfortable space for us to spend what ever time we have left with my mum.

The care they provide is impeccable, absolutely nothing is too much to ask for. From the Nurses and Doctors, cleaners, receptionist and even the cafe staff have made this so special for us all.

So to know the Martlets is struggling due to being a charity, I have to try and do my bit to raise money and say the biggest thank you I can for the care they have provided, not only for my mum but for us as a whole family.

Martlets is a local charity, providing essential services to people affected by life-limiting illness in Brighton and Hove, and surrounding areas. Our expert teams provide the very best hospice care and support, helping patients and their loved ones live life to the full during the precious time they have together.

Most people receive care from us in their own homes. Others with more complex needs spend their final days or weeks on our inpatient wards or join us for periods of symptom management or respite care. Outpatients also visit our hospice for pain relief, physiotherapy, counselling, complementary therapies and community social activities.