Louise’s story

Making precious memories

Cheese and wine evenings, mother and daughter lunches and watching Abba Voyage may not be the first things that come to mind when you think of hospice care. But for Louise, from Watford, and her family, these are experiences that were made possible thanks to the care available at our Inpatient Unit.

Louise was 55 when she was admitted to the Peace Hospice Inpatient Unit, in April 2024, to manage the symptoms of secondary breast cancer. The specialist care of the team meant that Louise’s pain could be managed effectively, allowing her to enjoy precious moments with her family and friends as she neared the end of her life.  

Her daughter, Tia, picks up the story:  

“Mum was one of the strongest, most positive people I’ve ever known. Anybody would tell you that. For a large portion of my life, Mum brought up my two sisters and me as a single parent. She was so strong in that sense. And when she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer I don’t know how she managed to stay so positive.  

“She had a large circle of friends and was so chatty. She loved life. She loved gardening and being outdoors and she was very creative. She worked as a graphic designer and loved expressing herself through art, right to the end of her life.  

“When mum was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, she was cared for at home by my sister who lived with her. I was away at university but would come home as often as I could to spend time with Mum and support my sisters, Bella and Georgie.  

“At the point that Mum’s pain became unmanageable at home, she was admitted to the Peace Hospice Inpatient Unit for symptom management. The aim was to bring her pain under control then discharge her home.  

“As soon as she was admitted to Peace Hospice we could go back to being her daughters and just enjoy spending precious moments together.  

“The care she received at the Inpatient Unit was excellent. All the staff were so friendly and helpful. Not just to Mum, but to my two sisters and me as well.  

“Mum loved it there. She loved the staff and felt safe and relaxed. She had her own room that she was able to decorate how she wanted it. She had lots of pictures on the walls and brought her orchids from home. She also brought with her a much-loved Tom Ford perfume that she shared with whoever wanted a quick spray! 

“We all knew that her friends and family were welcome to visit any time. She had a large circle of friends their visits were the main thing that kept her going and helped her to stay so positive. 

Spreading joy across the Inpatient Unit

“Mum ended up staying for longer than expected as her condition deteriorated during her stay. In that time she also made friends with other patients in the hospice. That’s how she came to organise the Inpatient Unit’s first ever cheese and wine evening!” 

Lisa Nolan was one of the palliative medicine consultants in the team that cared for Louise during her stay. Recalling the day, she says:  

“Louise was an outgoing, social and clearly very well-loved woman for whom illness or being in a hospice wasn’t going to get in the way of a good time.  

“As luck would have it, she was joined by several like-minded patients on the unit. While almost anything goes in the hospice, and a tipple is often supplied with meals, we weren’t quite prepared for the hospice’s inaugural cheese and wine evening, which was Louise’s brainchild! After much merriment, that particular gathering on the unit led to a quieter than usual evening for the night staff! 

“Louise was determined to make the most of life outside of the hospice during her stay. As well as seeing her head into Watford for lunch with her daughters, I was lucky enough to be working the day that she and her gang of friends went to see Abba Voyage. Getting to the show was a goal that Louise had in mind and something she was able to fulfil thanks to the team getting her symptoms under control to the point that a trip like this became possible.  

“It was the first – and remains to date, the only – occasion where my ward round notes have related to jumpsuits, sequins and the perfect eyeliner! It was truly fulfilling for us as a team to be that reassuring presence – building her confidence to make the trip and getting to be part of the fun in getting her ready and seeing her head out with her friends.  

“Louise, her daughters, her family and friends epitomise what we do and why we do it. Supporting people and their families is such an enormous privilege and the thing that makes hospice care such a special area to work in.”  

More than just symptom management

As well as managing Louise’s physical symptoms, the care she received as an inpatient also supported her emotional and psychological needs. As a creative person, Louise found comfort in art towards the end of her life and enjoyed taking part in art therapy sessions during her stay.   

“Mum had a really good experience at the Inpatient Unit, we all did. The hospice gave her back a bit of quality of life and helped her to make the most of her last few months.” 

After Louise sadly died in May 2024, Tia was looking for a way to give back to Rennie Grove Peace for the care her mum had received. When her sister spotted an advert for Strictly Come Hospice, she decided to sign up.  

Taking on a fundraising challenge

“I have danced for most of my life. I started off with ballet, tap and modern, as a lot of children do, and carried on until I was about 18. I had never done ballroom dancing before but Mum and I loved watching Strictly Come Dancing together on TV, so when I saw it advertised, it felt like a sign and the perfect way to give back.  

“I applied and felt a bit nervous. But figured I had nothing to lose! I was so pleased to get a place.  

“At the first session I met Amber who went on to be my dance partner for the competition. We were similar ages and just clicked straight away. We tried tango and cha cha during the first two training sessions and both decided we’d like to do a cha cha routine for the competition as it was fun and upbeat.  

“I asked if we could dance to Voulez Vous as Mum loved Abba – hence the trip to Abba Voyage! Luckily, Amber agreed, and that was what we went for.  

“The whole experience was absolutely amazing. The group of contestants was just incredible. We were all different ages and from all walks of life but we all just got on amazingly. Even though it’s a competition, everybody was just so supportive. If someone was struggling with a dance move we would all step in and help them.  

“The day of the actual show was incredible. I’ve done dance shows in the past and I just love the buzz and the energy backstage. I have performed at the same theatre before so it was very nostalgic for me, being backstage again and seeing the dressing rooms and everything.  

“We girls were all in one big dressing room backstage and there was so much excitement – as well as a lot of nerves!  

“There was a lot of glitter backstage as everybody got themselves ready! There were volunteers to help with hair and make up and that made everybody feel really special and confident.  

“After each couple came off stage everybody was cheering and hugging them backstage. We almost forgot it was meant to be a competition! Everybody was just so supportive and having an amazing time.  

“I also had lots of support on the night from family and friends who came to watch. I have a group chat with my mum’s friends so I invited them along and a lot of them came to watch on the night. I also had family in the audience from Devon and my friends from home and university. It was so nice to bring everyone together to do something to give back to the hospice.  

“Since the show we [the contestants] have all kept in touch. We met up soon after the show and we’re still in regular contact now. We’re all getting together for a big barbecue over the summer.  

Making lasting friendships

“Thanks to Strictly Come Hospice I’ve made a whole group of friends that I would never have met otherwise. For me the whole experience was so cathartic. Although I knew I would love the dancing, I didn’t realise how much I needed the support and camaraderie of the group at that point in my life. A lot of the contestants had personal links to the hospice and that was something to bond over. Members of the group also had life events happening during the competition and we all supported them through that.  

“For me it was wonderful to get back into dance. And the friendships and experiences I have taken away from the whole competition have been an added bonus. I’d say to anybody who is thinking of applying – just do it!”