Andy's story

Mum was strong minded, politically very socialist, had strong feminist values, and was from a working class background. She met my dad when on teacher training in Hull and continued her teaching career until retiring early at 55 years old in 1993. Together they brought up two rugby playing sons whom they adored.  Mum had massive community beliefs, and was very active in running and participating in local voluntary organisations. Up until being hospitalised in late October 2023, Mum was very active
 
Mum was diagnosed with a significantly advanced cancerous bowel tumour in June 2023. I suspect she had known for a while and hid it from us all.
 
Mum resisted strongly going to hospital for any check-ups and treatments so was quite distressed when she had to be admitted. We were very aware of the hospice and its role as Mum's direct neighbour has worked at Dove House shop in Brough for 10 years or more and a number of her friends have used the hospice services. When we were contacted about a referral to Dove House Mum was keen.

You arrive without any parking issues, enter the reception to be received by a friendly receptionist, and can visit anytime. Also, the offer of accommodation for anybody traveling with family from far away was incredible. We were greeted at Dove House by a lot of friendly staff and a lady playing a harp in the Inpatient Unit.  Mum was made very welcome and comfortable. Myself and my niece were blown away by the peaceful environment at the hospice and the exceptional atmosphere created by the live harpist.  
 
All staff at Dove House are clearly motivated to make the patient and family experience as pleasant as possible. It shines through in everything they do.
What really stood out for us was the support offered to I could home on an evening knowing I would be contacted if anything changed and that Mum would be fully looked after.
 
Dove House is by far the best place I have seen where you can die with dignity and have family around you in a peaceful environment. No hospital can get anywhere near that level of care from my experience and everybody who visited Mum felt the same.
 
The hospice offered Mum, a very dignified way to spend her last days in comfort and without pain which I think is as good as it gets.
 
Mum didn’t want a grave or memorial. After she died we wanted to have a place where family and friends could go, remember her, and feel close to her. We decided to have a Dove put on the Memory Tree at the hospice. It is enclosed in a beautiful little Memory Garden that feels private, and you are able to visit and spend time there. The Memory Garden is a very nice environment with good access and opening times. It was a great way to have something for those who wanted to have a physical place to visit.
 
Having a Dove on the Memory Tree and being able to make a significant donation to the hospice was my way of showing our appreciation for the amazing care we all received. It is our way of trying to assist in a small way in making hospice care at Dove House available for others. That brings me comfort.