Couple experience life-changing comfort with hospice cuddle bed

A couple from North Devon has shared how a specialist “Cuddle Bed” provided by North Devon Hospice gave them a chance to enjoy vital moments of closeness and comfort during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

When Lou's husband Paul was diagnosed with terminal cancer, their world was turned upside down. 

However, their journey through the challenging final stages of Paul’s life took a turn for the better when the couple had the chance to use the Cuddle Bed at North Devon Hospice.

A Cuddle Bed is a state-of-the-art, specialist clinical bed designed to provide maximum comfort for patients in their final days. 

What makes the bed unique is its ability to extend to double the width of a standard clinical bed, allowing loved ones to share the bed and stay close, even when facing the harsh realities of terminal illness.

ABOVE: Paul and his grandson at the hospice

In July 2021, Paul’s cancer returned, and doctors informed the couple that nothing further could be done. 

Soon after, Paul was referred to North Devon Hospice, where both Paul and Lou received essential care during this challenging period.

“While we were referred to the hospice from the point of diagnosis, Paul had his first stay on the hospice’s Bedded Unit in October 2023 to help manage his pain and get him feeling more comfortable,” Lou explained.

“During the two weeks we were there, Paul and I got to know the nurses well and they made us feel right at home – he really enjoyed their banter! We had lots of visitors, including our grandchildren, who loved exploring the hospice gardens and mud kitchen with Paul – it’s such an amazing and nurturing place.”

After returning home for a while, Paul’s condition worsened, and by the new year, he was back at the hospice for his final days.

It was during this time that Lou and Paul were introduced to the hospice’s Cuddle Bed.

“Unaware of what this new bed could do, I assumed it was just a more medically advanced version of the bed Paul was currently in,” Lou said. 

“But when I saw that it extended to almost double the size, I was delighted when the nurses asked us if we’d like to use it!”

For Lou, the opportunity to lie down with Paul and experience the comfort of being close together again was nothing short of a blessing.

“After a very difficult few months, being able to lie down with Paul and enjoy a proper cuddle together with my husband was truly the greatest gift,” Lou added. 

“From the minute we could use the bed, I barely left his side and savoured every moment of physical closeness we had together, as did our children who were also able to spend some special time with their dad thanks to the cuddle bed. I know it meant the world to them.”

For families like Lou and Paul’s, the emotional and physical comfort provided by the Cuddle Bed offers a chance to cherish meaningful moments in the final days of a loved one’s life.

To find out more about how you can contribute to the Cuddle Appeal and make a difference in the lives of families in North Devon, visit www.northdevonhospice.org.uk/cuddle