Victoria’s mum and dad, Sylvie and Alan, and her children, 18 year old Chantelle and 15 year old Bobby, brought the 11 year old fell to the Hospice garden to see her before she died. Victoria and Dan hadn’t seen each other since April so smiles were all around as they reunited, and it was a very special moment for Victoria’s children and parents. Victoria said:

Dan’s visit came during Victoria’s second stay at the Hospice. On the first afternoon of her readmission in May, Victoria was delighted when Sam, a rescue donkey popped his head into her room. Sam was visiting that day because the Hospice team had recreated the beach for another patient who had always enjoyed visits to the seaside.

Victoria also got to have a cuddle with little goats who came in to spent time with patients, before going back to their mums on the farm for tea.

“Having the donkey pop in that afternoon was a lovely surprise. I've had horses for 40 years and in that time, I've never stroked a donkey, so it was quite a cool experience. 

“Because the Hospice is such a lovely place, it makes staying here easier for me. It is nice to see different things like the goats and the donkey. Things like this make me smile, it cheers everyone up and it's nice to see different things, not just four walls and lots of medication and poking and prodding.”  

During her first admission to the Hospice, Victoria was filmed for ITV Anglia news talking about hospice care and how the St Helena staff helped her through the most difficult of times. She told the reporter:

“With my condition, having to come into Hospice was extremely frightening but they have been nothing but welcoming, helpful and do everything they can to put you on the right path to what you need to feel better.”

“All the nurses and staff are absolutely unbelievable and they all work so hard. Even when they're meant to be finishing work, you still see them floating around later, because they want to make sure things are sorted before they go, and not just handing over to someone and disappearing out the door. They follow things through, make sure you're settled, they make sure you're happy.

“You don't just get the nursing with St Helena; you get the banter, build a bond with them and that's what is important. They make me feel relaxed and reassured about scary things that are happening and procedures that could be happening. They make difficult things straightforward.

“I feel very privileged to have a bed here and I really mean that.”

This story may not be published elsewhere without express permission from St Helena Hospice.