Hospice Neighbours: Heidi’s story

We’re incredibly grateful to Heidi for sharing her heartfelt story about her father’s experience with our Hospice Neighbours service. Through a simple garden bench and a meaningful connection with his Hospice Neighbour, Luke, Heidi’s father found renewed purpose, companionship, and comfort during a challenging time. This story illustrates how the Hospice Neighbours initiative can make a real difference, not just for the person receiving support, but for their entire family.

When mum and dad moved house in 2017, dad discovered a small child’s seat, in the depths of the garden.  It was in poor condition but there was something about it which dad liked and so he decided to save it from going to the recycling centre. 

The bench sat in a corner of the garage for several years, as dad was too busy ‘living life’ to do anything with it. He would often say that one day he would do something with it. 

When dad was connected with Luke, his Hospice Neighbour, the match was carefully curated to ensure that they both had similar interests; the outdoors, practical work and an enjoyment for ‘doing’. 

Dad and Luke initially spent time in the garden and the garage talking about the work dad once did, the projects he’d worked on and his love for gardening.   

They decided to renovate the bench together and we are so pleased they did. 

Together with dad’s life experience and Luke’s knowledge of all things wood-related, they restored the seat to something that has now become a much talked about feature in the garden. 

This project was more than pieces of wood, screws and paint.  For my dad it was about purpose, therapy for the experience he was enduring with cancer, practical skills that he could still use, conversation with Luke and a sense of both fulfilment and pride to complete a project that he’d previously never had time to do. 

For the rest of us, this little seat will be an ongoing, beautiful reminder of the impact that the Hospice Neighbour scheme has had on our family. We are so grateful. 

The Hospice Neighbours provision is an absolute asset for families on the palliative care journey. We became aware of the option for my dad to be introduced to a Hospice Neighbour, through the Community Nursing Team. The timing was perfect. 

The process was simple, relaxed and felt like a real gift. Luke has visited the home on a weekly basis, building a genuine, caring relationship with dad.  

They sit and chat, work on projects and Luke has helped with jobs in the garden that my dad can no longer manage himself… although he is still very good at giving instructions and advice. Nothing has been too much trouble for Luke and his easy going nature put my dad instantly at ease. 

Luke has become a much-welcomed weekly visitor for dad: A date in his diary and the chance to maintain a much-needed sense of purpose. This is so important for him to hold on to. 

For me, it’s an opportunity to take a breath. To catch up on my own ‘to do’ list, knowing that dad has someone else to chat to and is in safe hands.   

The communication between myself and Luke is easy and simple. The Hospice Neighbour provision is such a gift, and we will be forever grateful. 

Anyone who wants to make a real impact on the lives of others should consider becoming a Hospice Neighbour. The reward of supporting families experiencing such a difficult time and making a difference is something I will certainly be repaying in the future. 

Find out more about our Hospice Neighbours service by clicking here.