St. Michael’s Hospice is an independent charity based in Basingstoke, supporting people across North Hampshire who have a life-limiting illness, facing the end of life or experiencing bereavement. The Hospice has 10 beds, focusing on short stays when people need the Hospice the most. Less than 16% of St. Michael’s Hospice’s funds are provided by the NHS, the rest is raised thanks to the generosity and kindness of the community. St. Michael’s Hospice has a dedicated team of nurses, doctors, and therapists who deliver free, high quality, compassionate end-of-life care and support to patients, their families, and carers. They provide both in-patient care and at home care to their patients, based on their requirements and preferences. Funding supports several services, from therapies such as occupational therapy and physiotherapy, to family support, such as pre/post bereavement services and counselling, most importantly supporting the whole person, be it something big or something small.

Charlotte’s story:

In August 2023, my mum’s partner, Pete Bedford, was moved to St Michael’s Hospice from Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, to try to control the pain caused by cancer. St Michael’s stabilised his condition so Pete could go home for a few weeks and feel like a normal person again, before he was readmitted in mid-October. Pete passed away on 19th October at St Michael’s Hospice, surrounded by his friends, family and loved ones.

Pete first had cancer when he was younger, managed to beat it, but unfortunately it came back in 2022. When I met Pete, leaving my mum’s apartment in Hook, my first thought was “he’s short!”, followed by “blimey mum, you’ve got yourself a cheeky chap there”. Unfortunately, mum and Pete only got a few years together, but they were some of the happiest times I remember for mum, it was like she was my teenage daughter – sending me couple selfies, going on nights out, buying each other small gifts to show their love, rather than me being her daughter. Pete was the stereotypical Chelsea football “lad”; he loved Fred Perry, Jaffa cakes and going to the Chineham Club. He would talk to me about some of the challenges in my life, with no judgement or bias, and would listen to me going on and on about cycling and running. Pete was incredibly generous – when our bathroom remodel took longer than anticipated we would every night turn up at his house, sweating from a workout on Zwift, needing a shower, and he would just have a laugh and welcome us in, pointing to the bathroom. During his time at the Hospice, it was the small things they do that made a difference – getting the boxing on his TV when there was a big fight he wanted to see, having a peaceful garden with koi carp that you could sit in for hours and watch, or sneaking him an extra biscuit to perk up his day. Pete said he felt safe at the Hospice, and I think when it feels like the darkness is outweighing the light, that feeling that you are somewhere safe is so important. When I got into London Marathon on a ballot space Pete was already unwell, but he said he’d watch on the TV to cheer me along. Whilst he won’t catch me on TV – and the only reason I’d get on TV would be for accidentally doing a Paula Radcliffe/Tom Dumoulin (if you know you know) – I want to fundraise for St Michael’s Hospice, so those who need the hospice in the future can use it.

Sammy’s story:

In October 2020, my Nan was moved from Frimley Park Hospital to St Michael’s where they provided palliative care until she passed away a few days later.

My Nan was an extremely prevalent figure in my life, I saw her every day throughout my whole childhood, and completely doted on my brother and I. She was welcoming and accepting of all, and all of my school friends knew and loved “Sammy’s Nan”.

I want to raise money for St Michaels hospice to thank them for the exceptional care they gave my Nan in her last days. There was nothing too big or small for them, and during a time when Covid was rife, they did not turn family away and made accommodations for all to visit. They facilitated FaceTime calls to our family in Australia and encouraged us to share and reminisce our happy memories. Thank you St Michaels Hospice for being the light in a difficult time.