Dawn’s story: Giving back to the charity that cared for Allen

Around 20 years ago, Dawn Goodship was among the first group of volunteers trained to visit people in their homes as a volunteer with Rennie Grove Hospice Care, as it was then.  

At a time when her children had grown up and needed her less, volunteering felt like a meaningful way to help others. 

“I was one of the first people trained to go into people’s homes and spend time with them,” Dawn recalls. “I did it for quite a long time and loved it.”

As family responsibilities grew and her parents and relatives needed more support, Dawn stepped away from volunteering. Life moved on, and for many years she remained connected to the charity through fundraising and local events. 

She never imagined that one day she would need the support of the charity she had once volunteered with.  

A difficult diagnosis 

In September 2024, after two years of growing concern about the health of her husband, Allen, the family received devastating news. 

Allen was diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. Soon afterwards, doctors discovered a second primary cancer in his lung. 

Over the following eight months, Dawn, Allen and their daughter, Elly, found themselves navigating appointments, treatments and logistics across six different hospitals. 

“It was exhausting,” says Dawn. “We were dealing with two separate cancers and so many different teams. We managed to keep Allen at home, but trying to coordinate everything felt overwhelming.” 

Despite the complexity of his illness, Allen remained at home throughout his treatment, only attending hospitals for appointments and treatment. 

Then, as his condition worsened, Dawn knew it was time to call on the charity she had known for so many years. 

“It was a huge relief” 

“There came a point when there was nothing more the hospitals could do for Allen”, Dawn explains.  

Knowing what Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care could offer gave Dawn the confidence to contact Rennie Grove Peace and seek support for the family.  

“It was a huge relief when the Hospice at Home team came in and took over coordinating everything,” she says. “We weren’t trying to manage everything ourselves anymore and that took a huge weight off our shoulders.” 

The Hospice at Home team helped arrange the support Allen needed, managed his medication and pain relief, and worked alongside other services to ensure he remained comfortable at home. 

“The nurses coming out and looking after his medication was such a huge relief. They put us in touch with everything we needed to keep him comfortable. 

“We’ll never forget how much help we got.” 

“The fact that he was comfortable in his own home, with such lovely people around him, made all the difference,” says Dawn. 

“After such a difficult time, we couldn’t have wished for a better ending.” 

Allen died at home in April 2025, aged 76. 

Giving something back 

In the months after Allen’s death, Dawn found comfort in becoming involved with the charity once again. 

She returned as a Supporting Hands volunteer, offering companionship and practical support to patients and carers.  

“I wanted to do something useful,” she says. “It’s a win-win. It helps me and gives me something worthwhile to do, but it also helps somebody else.” 

Having seen hospice care from both sides, Dawn understands just how important that support can be. 

“Some of the people I visit don’t see many other people. Others have family around them but don’t want to burden them with everything they’re feeling. Having somebody independent to talk to can make such a difference.”  

She also volunteers in the Rennie Grove Peace shop in Southdown, covering shifts when extra help is needed. 

Leaving a gift for the future 

The care Allen received, and the support the family experienced, inspired both Dawn and her daughter, Elly, to support Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care in a variety of ways. 

One way that Dawn has chosen to show her support is by pledging to leave a gift in her Will. “We owe so much to the charity for helping Allen and supporting us through such a difficult time,” says Dawn. 

“I want everybody who needs this care to be aware of it and have it available to them. Leaving a gift in my Will is my way of saying thank you and helping make sure that future families can receive the same support we did.” 

Today, Dawn keeps herself busy tending the garden she and Allen once enjoyed together, while continuing to volunteer and support Rennie Grove Peace. 

“We had more than 50 years together, and I’m grateful for every one of them,” she says. “Allen was larger than life. He loved entertaining, sailing, beekeeping and spending time with friends and family. 

“Making the most of every day is something I owe to him. And supporting Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is one way I can honour his memory while helping others.