How North Devon Hospice changed our lives during the pandemic

During the Covid pandemic my husband Brian was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and sadly, we were told that his prognosis was terminal.

As you can imagine, this came as a bit of a shock to us both and with so much uncertainty going on in the world at the time, we weren’t sure what the future held.

But then we were put in touch with North Devon Hospice and everything changed.

Like lots of people I know, I’d heard of the hospice before but never experienced their care and support directly; believe me when I say it was like a breath of fresh air.

I remember speaking to one of the hospice nurses on the phone in those early days and from the moment we started chatting, she instantly put me at ease and made me feel like someone was there that we could rely on.

At that time, Covid restrictions were in place so sadly, the hospice nurses couldn’t visit Brian and me at home. However, that didn’t stop them getting in touch regularly.

At least twice a week, they would phone to speak to us both, making sure we were coping okay, helping to organise pain medication, and offering general reassurance and support in whatever way was possible.

For me, these phone calls were a great comfort through what was a very difficult time and made me less alone in the journey we were on.

After Brian passed away, another friend of mine unfortunately fell ill and started receiving support from the hospice. One day, she asked me to come along to a wellbeing day with her at The Long House – the hospice’s outreach centre in Holsworthy.

I agreed and the following Thursday we went along together, both feeling slightly apprehensive. Of course, there was absolutely no need to be for as soon as we walked in the door, we were scooped up what I now know to be the ‘hospice hug’.

As we took our seats in the Bradbury Room, one of the lovely hospice volunteers welcomed us with the biggest smile and offered us a cup of tea and a slice of cake – I couldn’t think of a better way to start the day!

Soon after, my friend and I began chatting with other patients and family members who had come for the day before being whisked away to enjoy a whole host of relaxing treatments including reflexology, a facial, and even a manicure.

It was a lovely day but even lovelier to see my friend relax, knowing she was somewhere where she could just be herself.

A few weeks later, I found myself thinking about the hospice and how I could give something back for the wonderful support they’d provided to Brian and me, and now, my dear friend.

I spoke to Mandy, the complementary therapy lead who I’d met at the wellbeing day, and she put me in touch with the hospice’s volunteer team, who spoke to me more about the kind of work I’d want to do.

We soon found a suitable role for me in the hospice working alongside the catering team in the Terrace Café – I was so excited to start!

Since April, I have been volunteering in the café every Tuesday from 11am to 3pm and so far, I’ve enjoyed every minute.

Not only is it a pleasure to chat with the patients, families and public who visit the café but the staff at the hospice are all so kind and whoever you speak to, they always have a smile on their face.

As someone who volunteers at the very heart of the place, I can tell you that North Devon Hospice is a happy place with a wonderful ethos.

From the moment I began my volunteering journey, I’ve been made to feel welcome and like part of the team.

At 75 years old, that’s a lovely feeling!

I always say you’re as old as you feel, and the hospice has made me feel wonderful. To anyone thinking about volunteering with this brilliant charity, I’d say do it – you never know what it could bring you.