Hospice News

Patient & Carer Stories

Knowing that Trish was unable to attend Glastonbury this year, our Inpatient Unit decided to organise our very own festival at the Hospice for her close family and friends.

Trish was referred to the Hospice after being diagnosed with cancer two and a half years ago. Trish has always been an active person, having loved paddleboarding and always being outdoors. We spoke to her daughter Amy about their experience at the Hospice.

"When mum was given the cancer diagnosis it hit hard. But she was always determined to keep doing things. We love festivals and when she got the diagnosis, we decided to go to Camp Bestival as a family. We've been very lucky to do things together, her granddaughters are her world, and we went to Disneyland too. Mum loves Glastonbury, and we got to go with all three generations last year. She loved Elton John and Cat Stevens, that's the kind of music she grew up with. 

"Mum wanted to go again this year, and we were lucky enough to get tickets. But things have changed since she got poorly, so unfortunately, we're not able to go this year."

Knowing that the family were unable to attend Glastonbury together this year, Emily, Trish's nurse on our Inpatient Unit, decided to organise our very own festival at the Hospice for Trish and her close family and friends.

"Emily was kind enough to organise 'TrishFest' for us at the Hospice! She made us festival passes and everything. We can't put into words how brilliant the Hospice has been for us. Everything from the flowers and gardens to everyone who works here. They've been so kind, not only to Mum but also to me and my sister, it's incredible. It's like we have a Hospice family!"

Trish's nurse Emily says, "When Trish was admitted to the Inpatient Unit she made it very clear she had a goal to get to Glastonbury. As things changed with her, we decided to see if it was something that we could sort out at the Hospice. When I was working a night shift, I did lots of research on how we could make that happen and sent out lots of emails! We all worked together as a team to work some hospice magic. We had lots of kind people giving up their decorations, time and effort. And it was an absolute pleasure to make it happen for Trish and her family! It was a joy to be part of such an amazing day!"

To top off the surprises, Trish then received a video message from Emily Eavis, organiser of Glastonbury Festival. "Hi Trish, a big hello from all of us at Glastonbury Festival. Sending you lots of love, we'll miss you this year and we'll be thinking of you".

Trish's other daughter, Beth says, "Mum couldn't believe it when she saw the video - she just kept watching it again and again! Thank you so much."

More about our Inpatient Unit