“St Catherine’s gave our mum her summer back”

When Mum’s doctor suggested referring her to St Catherine’s, we didn’t know what to expect. Mum was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and breast cancer in December 2024.

In February 2025, she was given “just months” to live, and by early March, we truly didn’t think she would survive the month.

With regular visits from nurses Emma and Kelly, and careful symptom management, everything began to change. Their visits became something we looked forward to, and they soon felt more like friends than nurses.

Mum was given a number she could call at any time if her symptoms became difficult to manage, which meant a great deal to her when getting a doctor’s appointment felt challenging. Emma also reviewed and changed her medication, and within two days her pain and constant vomiting had completely stopped.

Thanks to their support, Mum went from preparing for the end of her life to enjoying a wonderful summer. She was out and about every day, playing bingo, and celebrating her 83rd birthday, which she said was the best she’d ever had. At one point, we even asked for her diagnosis to be checked again, because she had become so well that we couldn’t believe it.

“St Catherine’s gave our mum her summer back and gave us memories we will treasure forever.”

Mum passed away at the Hospice in early December. We are so grateful she was able to be there, as her one wish was not to die in hospital. We feel extremely lucky to have been welcomed for her final days.

If anyone is ever offered support from St Catherine’s, I want them to know this: it isn’t about dying. It’s about living as well as possible, for as long as possible.