On 11th September 2018, Hilary Horn from Holbeach was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Three weeks later she was told it was terminal and she sadly died on 9th November 2018, age 62.
Hilary’s daughter, Alison, has chosen to share her memories of the time Hilary spent in our care. Alison said:
“Mum was in Boston Pilgrim Hospital but decided in the October that she wanted to come home to be with my dad for a few days, before choosing Holbeach Hospital as the place she wished to die. However, after a few days at home we realised we could manage with the help of St Barnabas Hospice.
“Nurses from St Barnabas came to the house daily to change Mum’s clothes, sheets and also look after Dad. My life changed that winter, you became our angels. “I had never heard of St Barnabas before but I now support them as my chosen charity.”
Hilary was able to spend three-and-a-half weeks at home with her family and every day St Barnabas nurses were able to come in and help ease the pressure. Because of St Barnabas, Hilary was also able to die peacefully in her own home. Alison said:
“I have so many memories of the nurses who came. There were endless cups of tea and their presence meant we could leave the house briefly, knowing Mum was in safe hands. I remember asking questions that could only be answered with a hug and another cuppa. The help we received meant so much to our family.”
St Barnabas Hospice provides free care to people across Lincolnshire living with a life-limiting or terminal illness and their families and carers. To find out more about the different ways we can help, visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk