Sue’s husband, Robin, and friends will be cheering on the walkers from their beach hut on Frinton seafront again this year. The hut was a special place that Sue and the family had spent many happy hours at over the years. Robin writes:

My wife Sue was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 58 years. This was obviously a great shock to the family and the prognosis was not great. Sue was well aware of the effects of losing a mother so young and was concerned as to how I and the children would navigate life without her.

Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated and she ended up back in hospital at the end of October. On the recommendation of a wonderful specialist nurse, Sue was transferred to St Helena Hospice at the start of November.

I have to admit I was not aware of what the Hospice really did at the time, I was aware of its existence but not of the support it could provide. As soon as we arrived at the Hospice we both felt a heavy load had been removed from our shoulders. Everything seemed so calm there and Sue was a lovely room with views out onto the garden. 

The staff, both professional and volunteers, were so attentive and friendly. Sue felt that she could trust them to do their best. The doctors immediately set about trying to make Sue feel more comfortable with regards to her medication. 

I was not aware that one of the main functions of the Hospice was to get patients back into their own environment with support, and this option was looked at for Sue to start with. The other real benefit of being in the Hospice was the support it also gave to family and friends. It was a nice environment for the family and friend to spend precious time with Sue – the food was a real bonus.

Sadly, after two weeks at the Hospice Sue passed peacefully away. Again the Hospice dealt with that difficult time in a very respectful and supportive manner.

Since that time we have always been more than willing to support the Hospice. We are well aware of the financial demands now put upon them and realise they can only exist with donations of any sort. My son, David, did a sponsored beard grow at the time raising an amazing £2,100.

So I am now very aware of what the benefits of the hospice movement and I am more than happy to support all they do. 

If you are on the walk look out for us. We will all be wearing printed tea shirts in memory of Sue and the hut is easy to spot as it has a Welsh Dragon on the front in honour of Sue’s roots.  

Story and images may not be published elsewhere without express permission from St Helena Hospice.