In the heart of Hull, Dove House Hospice stands as a testament to the power of compassionate care. As part of this month’s "This is Hospice Care" campaign, which appeals for funding through gifts in wills, this touching story of a local family's experience, highlights the vital role of hospice care in our community.
"Sitting by a pond, watching carp swim lazily, with doves cooing in the trees - it was peaceful and serene. I could have been on holiday," wrote Prue, whose husband Dennis received care at Dove House in August last year, “But I was at Dove House Hospice, where my husband of nearly 57 years lay in his final days."
Prue's account paints a vivid picture of the hospice environment; a tranquil setting with a large pond, fountain, and lush greenery. Accommodating staff who fulfilled requests like "anything you want" for breakfast. Open visiting hours, allowing family to be present day and night and comfortable facilities for family members to stay overnight as their loved ones receive end of life care.
“At Dove House, the staff are plentiful and have TIME. They didn't just care for Dennis; they provided care beyond measure, for our entire family.”
Prue emphasises the professionalism and compassion of the staff: “All of the doctors, nurses, care staff, cooks, domestic staff - are all brilliant people. They treated us as individuals, remembered our names and understood that we had our own needs, concerns, and worries."
Sarah Cash, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Dove House Hospice, adds: "Prue's story highlights why hospice care is so crucial. We strive to provide a haven of comfort and support for patients and their loved ones during life's most challenging moments."
The hospice's impact extends beyond medical care. Prue recalls, "We played Dennis's favourite music - Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Lennon and when he died, we were able to stay with him for as long as we wanted to, we were even able to accompany him on his final journey from his room. It all felt so genuine, as if he was the only person to have ever died at Dove House.”
As part of the "This is Hospice Care" campaign, we invite everyone to help it live on for all, for now, forever. Dove House Hospice continues to serve the community but relies heavily on public support.
Prue urges: "After looking after your family and friends, if you can leave an amount in your Will to Dove House, you will be making a valuable contribution and helping hospice care live on for all.”
Laura Sadler, Head of Fundraising at Dove House, emphasises the impact of legacy gifts: "Every gift left in a will provides a lifeline for Dove House. These gifts enable us to continue offering specialist care, ensuring that our essential services continue to reach every corner of Hull and East Yorkshire.
“Legacy donations are crucial to Dove House's operations. In the last financial year, these generous gifts covered the cost of caring for 1 in 10 patients. As the demand for our services continues to grow, the need for people to remember the hospice in their will becomes ever more vital.”
To learn more about supporting Dove House Hospice through a legacy donation or other means, visit https://www.dovehouse.
