Precious moments with grannie in her final days meant so much to Ilfracombe family

The new cuddle bed at North Devon Hospice has given an Ilfracombe family the opportunity to spend precious time with a much-loved matriarch.

Brenda Harper was cherished by everyone around her, including her granddaughter Jenny and when she was suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer in July last year, the family were beyond devastated.

However, having the chance to use the existing cuddle bed at North Devon Hospice meant they could share special moments of closeness with Brenda at a time when it mattered most.

Above: Brenda Harper and her family were among the first to benefit from the then new cuddle bed at North Devon Hospice.

It is a specialist clinical bed, which has state-of-the-art features to help keep patients comfortable towards the end of life. It can also extend to double the width, which allows loved ones to share the bed and retain that closeness and sense of normality, even when the rest of their world is shaken.

Jenny has been speaking about Brenda’s shock diagnosis and the vital help the hospice provided in their hour of need.

She said: “Grannie hadn’t been feeling well, so we’d encouraged her to get checked out.

“After spending time in hospital for various scans, we found out she had cancer and were told she only had three weeks left – the most heart-breaking news to hear.

“But Grannie was so brave upon receiving this diagnosis; when we were able to get her a place on the hospice’s Bedded Unit, we were so relieved and knew she’d be taken care of.”

After arriving at the hospice, Brenda quickly settled in and was beautifully cared for by hospice nurses, who made sure she was free from pain, relaxed, and comfortable straight away.

Jenny continued: “Not only was the medical care from staff at the hospice just incredible, but the time and effort they spent making Grannie feel at home with so many little touches made all the difference.

“When we went into her room, they’d placed fresh flowers from the hospice gardens on the window sill; the next day, one of the nurses was by her bedside reading to her when we came to visit. It was truly wonderful.”

The family were also asked if they’d like to be the first to use the new cuddle bed to be closer to Brenda and enjoy some precious cuddles together as she approached the end of her life.

Above: North Devon Hospice ensured fresh flowers were placed in Brenda’s room – the family said every little detail was looked after.

“I remember Grannie having lots of room and seeming so relaxed and comfortable on the bed, which was much bigger than a standard hospital bed,” said Jenny.

“One day, my sister just put her arms around her to let her know she was there. I can’t tell you how special this was and what it meant to us as a family. I think everyone deserves the chance to have this at the end of their life.”

Brenda’s daughter Karen added how special it was for her and granddaughter Samantha to be close to Brenda throughout this time.

She said: “We were with Mum every single day when she was at the hospice and even stayed with her the night before she passed away.

“The nurses were amazing and we will be forever grateful for the care and compassion given to Mum and all our family including the use of the cuddle bed.”

To help more families like Brenda’s enjoy precious cuddles at the hospice and in their own homes, visit https://www.northdevonhospice.org.uk/ways-to-support/cuddle-appeal to make a donation.