“The My Care Choices form, I think that was great. That's exactly what I wanted, all in place. We're still in the throes of plans really; we think of something new every other day.

“I've got no problem talking about it. We're born, we live, we die.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer, stage two, and they did the mastectomy and the chemo and the radiotherapy, and it disappeared and we thought that's it. 20 years later, here I am, but it's now stage 4 and it's gone on to my lung, my right lung.

“Life is short, make the most of it. Even me, I haven't adjusted my lifestyle in view of my cancer at all. I’m here to enjoy myself.

“I guess there is a perception that when people hear ‘hospice’, it's end of life, but I'm psyched up for that already!”

Kit and Helen have been married for 42 years, popping off to the registry office on a lunchbreak to tie the knot. Helen is open to frank conversations about the future too:

“We’ve always had quite a sense of humour, so for us, that's the way to deal with dying, to try and joke about it.

Kit recorded his end of life care choices on the My Care Choices Register

Knowing that her husband is safe and being cared for means Helen can go home and feel relaxed. Helen continues:

“We think it's the best place anybody could be if they need extra care at end of life, as my husband is.

“We had a birthday party here for Kit and they were brilliant, they put decorations up overnight and he woke up to a Happy Birthday banner! We were just so thankful we were able to do it in the lovely lounge, there was room for 11 of us, it worked out perfectly, and the kids enjoyed the garden.

“But we really didn't think he'd see his birthday. He did ask the doctor what the prognosis was, and he's outlived that.”

Kit adds:

“I didn't realise that many people go into hospice for limited periods, recuperate and come out again, but there is a perception that it's the end of the road. I don't feel that anymore."

Helen and Kit at St Helena Hospice