Hi everyone! 👋

As many of you know, I have been an inpatient at the North Devon Hospice for the past week and it's got me thinking...

The North Devon Hospice are helping to carry me through the hardest chapter of my life. Currently they are supporting me by working out the best way to manage the pain I am experiencing. This will not only aim to make me more comfortable, but allow me to carry on having fun and making memories without too much discomfort.

I’m living with metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer and from the moment I was told this, the Hospice have wrapped support around me via counselling, physiotherapy and gentle therapies such as reflexology or massage. Recently my pain became too difficult to manage and I was admitted to hospital before being transferred to the hospice. I was frightened and exhausted, but the moment I arrived I felt safe and like someone else had taken the wheel, allowing me to finally relax.

Whilst being here it has been my birthday, and the staff went above and beyond to make it special. They ran me a bubble bath, painted my nails, gave me a face mask and hand massage and even organised an INCREDIBLE Vegas-themed party. Many of my family and friends were able to celebrate with me, and so many of them said how wonderful it was to see me relaxed and smiling. For a few precious hours I wasn’t a patient, I was simply me.

The catering staff alongside staff of the Bedded Unit also arranged a high-tea with sandwiches, scones and cakes. This allowed myself and Rosie to invite our parents so they could meet for the first time before we get married 💙💍 I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful for this.

Staying at the hospice has given me the chance to breathe. It feels like someone else is holding the reins so I can rest, knowing I am cared for and surrounded by people who understand. The kindness and empathy of the people working and volunteering at the Hospice, feels like a MASSIVE hug when I need it most.

The North Devon Hospice has already done so much for me and will continue to support me and my family as I navigate this journey with stage 4 breast cancer. I want to try and do something to give back in some way which will help fund the support of others to receive the same comfort and dignity that I have been given already and will continue to experience. Money raised for the Hospice will go towards supporting those staying in the bedded unit but also so many people in the community too, who might be receiving hospice care at home or those receiving supportive care or counselling and complimentary therapies. As well as this, they offer support to the families and loved ones affected by the loss of a relative to a life limiting illness.

Please join me in donating to this incredible charity that is helping me through the toughest time of my life. It costs over £6.5million every year to keep the hospice running the way it does and for them to provide people with the care and support they need. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a real difference. Thank you from the bottom of my heart 💙