Luke's story

My best friend Emilee was just 22 years old when she was diagnosed with skin cancer in November 2023. Initially her symptoms were thought to just be acid reflux but after she started to throw up, we encouraged her to have it investigated further. They found it had spread and she had growths in her stomach, and one had burst. She tried treatment but they didn’t work and the plan changed from extending her life to making her as comfortable as possible; we were all devastated. But Emilee was determined to be strong, she just accepted the news.

After spending a long time in hospital, she was actually really happy to come to Dove House. The care that she received at the hospice was unreal. The team checked on her, and us, constantly, always reassuring us and asking if there was anything we needed. They welcomed us all with open arms and never made us feel out of place. At the beginning when Emilee could move about and sit up, she could get out in the garden which was really lovely for us all.

Emilee was at Dove House for about a month, the nurses really got to know her personality and had such a laugh with her. She was such a character and became good friends with them all. The bond Emilee and the nurses had was so special.

The hospice let Emilee’s partner Molly stay too, she practically lived there. I know that Emilee was worried about Molly so the fact that the hospice looked after her too meant so much to Emilee and helped her relax that little bit more. But it also meant that Molly could leave for little breaks, knowing that her partner was in the best possible place and being cared for in every way.
Dove House created the closest version of home that Emilee and Molly could get at the hospice going above and beyond for both of them, it was amazing! They were also able to bring their dog to see Emilee. It was another level of care; I have never seen anything like it.

My best friend spent her final days being cared for by the wonderful nurses and doctors at Dove House. It was a very emotional time, but everyone even the receptionists made us feel happy which is weird to say at such a difficult time but that’s how they made us feel. The hospice really respected Emilee and Molly’s wishes and allowed them to spend Emilee’s final moments together surrounded by a small number of those most close to her.

When Emilee died the nurses were unreal, they went at our pace, allowed us as much time and space as we needed and couldn’t have done more. These are moments that matter and stick with you afterwards and we are very thankful to the hospice for this. Even though you know it’s coming it is a heartbreaking situation to be in, but Dove House made it so much easier. They held space for all of our emotions.