Gaynor’s Story

Gaynor’s story

By day, Gaynor threw herself into her role at a national charity, where she found real purpose and a sense of achievement. Outside of work, she spent much of her time with her beloved horse, Logan – who was not just a pet but a source of calm and joy. Her faith was a central part of her life, and she was an active member of her small village church. 

Surrounded by a close circle of friends, a loving family, and the steady presence of Logan, Gaynor led a life that was both fulfilling and happy. 

A shock diagnosis

When she was diagnosed with cancer in early 2025, it came as a shock to Gaynor and her family. But with her family’s support, and the care of the Rennie Grove Peace team, she was able to approach the end of her life with a sense of peace – knowing that her medical and emotional needs were met and reassured that Logan would be looked after when she was gone. 

Gaynor’s sister, Val, shares her experience of Gaynor’s time at the Peace Hospice Inpatient Unit, and how the team helped the whole family make the most of each day by supporting their emotional wellbeing, tending to Gaynor’s care, and helping to create moments that have become treasured memories. 

Val says: 

“Gaynor was in good health and led a fit and healthy lifestyle, but in November 2024 this changed when she experienced pains in her back and stomach. After initial doctor visits she was referred for a scan that would take place in the new year. It was while waiting for the scan results that she became incredibly unwell. This led to Gaynor visiting A&E where doctors discovered a large ‘sinister’ mass that had compromised her bowel and perforated it, resulting in sepsis. The swift response of emergency, lifesaving surgery from both gynaecological and bowel experts gave Gaynor what she referred to as her ‘second chance of life’. 

“She made good progress in recovering, first in Watford General Hospital and then in St Mark’s Hospital – a worldwide centre of excellence for bowel medicine. She knew the surgery hadn’t been completely curative, and that she would be under the oncology care of UCLH for the rare sarcoma she had been diagnosed with, but she saw this chance as a positive opportunity and was determined to get well enough to see Logan again. Gaynor’s faith also helped her prepare for the eventuality that she might not get well. 

Reunited with Logan

“Gaynor did make leaps in her recovery, and in March she was discharged from St Mark’s awaiting the next stage – reversal of the stoma she had during the emergency operation – which would allow her to have chemotherapy for the cancer. After 10 weeks in hospital Gaynor was delighted to make it home again and finally be reunited with Logan. It gave us all a sense of joy and reassurance to see her enjoying trips to the yard and the comfort of her home again.” 

Having made great progress in her recovery, a date was set for the stoma reversal operation Gaynor needed. This was booked for April, but instead the devastating news came that the cancer had grown back aggressively. Gaynor and her family were told there was nothing more doctors could do to cure it and she was referred for palliative care. 

 Finding a comfortable setting in our IPU

Gaynor was admitted to the Peace Hospice Inpatient Unit at the end of April 2025. Val says:   

“The care Gaynor received at Peace Hospice exceeded anything we could have expected. From the moment she was admitted everybody was just so welcoming. This continued throughout her stay when the team was welcoming of visitors – whatever time of the day or night they arrived.  

“Gaynor had spent most of the year in hospital, aside from a couple of weeks at home in March, before she was admitted to Peace Hospice. In hospital the focus had been on making her better. When it became clear that this wouldn’t be possible it was no longer the right place for her care – both physically, because of the pain she was in, and mentally – she was preparing for the end of life while those around her were on the path to recovery. Arriving at Peace Hospice the whole feeling was so different, there was an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. The team was just wonderful at controlling her pain and supporting her through this time with compassion and care. 

“The staff were so lovely and attentive. Gaynor had a great sense of humour and enjoyed having some banter with the nurses. She loved to get to know people, made a point of learning people’s names and showed genuine interest in them. At the hospice it felt like staff had the time to get to know her and she could get to know them, too, they weren’t just rushing through her care. 

“Her room at the Inpatient Unit was just beautiful, so much more homely than a hospital room, with doors opening out to the courtyard that let the summer breeze come through. It meant so much to Gaynor to have that easy access to the courtyard after spending so much time on a hospital ward. 

“The name Peace is so appropriate – although it’s near the main road, once you’re in the courtyard or garden you would have no idea. The place is so peaceful and beautiful.” 

Visits from friends, family – and even a Shetland pony!

With a rota of friends and relatives caring for Logan during Gaynor’s stay, she regularly had visitors who were friends from the yard where Logan lives, keeping her updated on how her beloved horse was doing. One friend from the yard even arranged to bring a Shetland pony to visit Gaynor in the hospice courtyard. Val says:  

“During her time at the hospital Gaynor hadn’t wanted visitors. But when she was at the Inpatient Unit, she felt so much better – her pain was under control and she was at peace with what was happening. So she felt more comfortable having friends visit. Gaynor wanted her friends and family to know that she had lived a good life and she wanted it celebrated. Her strength and her faith remained throughout, and she was at peace with what was to come. I’m so glad she felt able to have more friends visit her at the hospice, and to call her there too. She really did feel blessed to have so much love and appreciation shown to her in those final weeks. Especially blessed to have had visitors ranging from family and friends to her local vicar and even the Shetland pony! 

“When we asked whether we could bring in a Shetland pony to visit Gaynor, the staff didn’t even hesitate in saying yes! I don’t imagine it’s something they’ve been asked very often but you could see they would just do whatever they needed to, to help create special moments for their patients. 

“Gaynor was so happy that this was even an option. She loved having the pony visit. Horses had been a huge part of her life for about 30 years so the fact she could bring her passion with her to the Inpatient Unit meant a great deal to her. I was working that day but my sister and brother-in-law arrived at the hospice and as they pulled into the car park they saw a horse box and thought ‘that’s got to be for Gaynor!’.” 

As Gaynor reached the end of her life, Val recalls how the team supported the whole family. She says:  

“One day my niece was reluctant to go home because she knew Gaynor might pass away in the time she was gone. One of the nurses could see her reluctance but also knew she needed to look after herself by having some rest. To give her the confidence to leave, the nurse went away ‘to find something that might help’, and came back with three small heart cushions. She gave one to my niece and put one in Gaynor’s hand – so they would be connected even if they were apart. The third one she gave to me to take to Logan. It was such a thoughtful gesture and it really meant a lot to us all.” 

Gaynor sadly died on Monday 12 May 2025. 

Fundraising in memory of Gaynor

In order to thank the charity for the care Gaynor received, Val started researching ways to fundraise and give back. After spotting the upcoming Firewalk on the Rennie Grove Peace website, she signed up for the challenge along with her son, Mackenzie. Val says:  

“When I saw the Firewalk I knew it would be perfect – enough of a challenge to raise a decent amount of money and a real experience to share with Mackenzie. I once did a firewalk when Mackenzie was very little. He was really intrigued by it back then, so it’s great that he’s now old enough to do it with me – in memory of his Auntie Gaynor.  

“He’s a bit nervous about the challenge so it will be a real personal achievement for him to do it.  

“The pep talk you get before a firewalk really boosts your mindset for the challenge. I remember that it was a case of mind over matter – if you believe you can, you will. And the sense of achievement and empowerment when you’ve done it is amazing! 

“My husband and some of our relatives will come along on the night to cheer us on. I’m hoping this will be the start of doing something annually to fundraise for Rennie Grove Peace.  

“The Firewalk comes with a challenge to raise £162. As we’re both taking part that would put our target at £324. But we decided to be ambitious and round it up to a £500 target! We’re already doing well as people have been so generous. I’m looking forward to seeing how much we can raise and I can’t wait for the experience on the night, especially joining a community of people all determined to do this in memory of their loved ones, and recognise the incredible work of Rennie Grove Peace!”