Caroline's story

My family’s experience of Dove House care:

My dad was my best friend, as cheesy as that sounds. He was protective of everybody. He was our biggest champion. He was just an all round awesome man.

The hospice has a really special place in my heart. I've always been local to Dove House and I've raised money for the hospice from being little. My dad actually came to work at the hospice just before he became ill, he was the Patient Transport Manager and he absolutely loved it!

Finding out Dad took the wind out of our sails. It was a hard time. He told us whatever happened that we'd all be alright, but it just felt like the end of the world.

My dad came for respite at Dove House. I remember when I visited there was the loveliest lady sat with him talking, I could tell she had taken the time to get to know him and it was just like watching two friends chat, it was so comforting.

The calmness at the hospice was amazing. They treated us like people. Dove House helped look after Dad so well that we could get him back home.

The care and support at Dove House was extended to me and my mum as well, which was unbelievable. It really helped us, a lot more than I thought it would. When we heard the initial offer, you think, oh no, I don't think anything's ever going to make this feel better. But it does. I think that it is really special that it's offered.
I think we always think, “it won’t happen to me. I won’t need the hospice.” But, unfortunately it doesn’t aways work out like that and suddenly you find yourself needing their care. Knowing that you've got Dove House as a cushion is so important.

I never thought myself or my family would be users of this amazing place, but I'm so pleased that that we had it when we needed it because it just makes it that little bit easier.

My Strictly Learn to Dance journey:

I wanted to give something back. Dove House is an amazing charity and are such amazing people. Signing up for Strictly Learn to Dance just seemed like the perfect way to do something good.

I've always loved dancing. I dance in my house, I dance in the supermarkets, much to my children's embarrassment. But it's just something that I've always loved doing.

When training began I remember Vikki from the hospice saying that it was going to be something amazing and I was sceptical. But she was right, it is so much more than just dancing. We all had similar reasons for being there and we all bonded on that shared investment in Dove House.

If you are thinking of signing up you really wont regret it. The care and the love that Dove House give to people, to their families is unmatched and they can't keep doing that unless people do events such as Strictly Learn to Dance.