That’s Amore...

This year, Eric and Heather were planning to mark their 50th wedding anniversary with a special trip to Italy to renew their vows. But when Eric was admitted to the hospice’s Bedded Unit just before Christmas, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, thoughts of

Our hospice nurses knew just how much this trip to Italy had meant to them. So, wanting to make the most of every precious moment, we decided that if Eric and Heather couldn’t go to Italy, we’d bring Italy to them! A special Italian-themed ceremony was arranged at the hospice, where Eric and Heather could renew their vows and celebrate their lifelong commitment to each other, with family and friends by their side. Italian decorations were put out while our catering team prepared a delicious wedding breakfast, ready for Eric and Heather to enjoy with their guests. The wedding table was magical, decorated with confetti, table flowers, and golden wedding anniversary balloons. Eric and Heather arrived, greeted by smiling family and friends, who watched through tears as the vow renewal ceremony was beautifully conducted by the couple’s son, Alan. The couple shared a loving kiss, then toasted their renewed vows, full of happiness.

“I can’t thank the hospice enough,” said Heather. “We were so sad when we realised Eric wouldn’t be well enough to go to Italy, but to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary like this was even more special.”

She added, “The hospice really has gone above and beyond to help us make the most special memories. They are all angels, and I can’t tell you how special they’ve made this last chapter for me and Eric.”

Alan, Eric’s eldest son, tells us: “To see Mum and Dad share this beautiful moment, surrounded by the people they love the most, has been just wonderful. They have shared a life full of love together, and I can’t think of a greater gift the hospice could have given them than this. It’s like the last piece of their puzzle is complete; thank you so much.”

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John is 52 and lives in Barnstaple. He has a rare condition which affects only one in 50,000 people. It attacks his organs and his airways. There is no cure.

“Because it’s so rare, they can’t really give me a timeframe, which makes it even harder to deal with,” said John. “But since our hospice nurses have been visiting, they’ve been fantastic and really helped us cope. Before the hospice got involved, it felt like we were just fighting fires all the time with no support.”

John and his wife are visited regularly at home by hospice nurses Emma and Donna.

“The house visits are a breath of fresh air. It’s made me feel safer,” said John. “They ask how I am, but we also talk about normal, everyday life. I want to live my normal life as best I can, and the hospice nurses help me do that.”

Knowing the support of the hospice will be there for his whole family, even after he has died, makes the world of difference to John. “The hospice has definitely lightened the load, especially for my wife,” he said. “I feel better knowing there is support for her and our whole family.”

Despite his illness, John has a sense of positivity. “It’s made me re-evaluate life and realise what’s important. We want to make the most of every moment now.”

A donation from you today will ensure that John’s family are supported for as long as they need. You can help them to cope with these tough times by visiting northdevonhospice.org.uk you.