The Frost Family

Mum to James and Amber and wife to Dan, Lisa Frost, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in March 2020 and spent five weeks receiving end-of-life care at the Hospice.

Lisa died aged 43 on December 21st, 2021.

We are so grateful to Dan, his family and friends and everyone who has supported St Nic’s in Lisa’s memory. They are helping to ensure that we can continue be there for other families, and that they can receive the same care and support.

Here Dan shares their story:  

“My wife Lisa started experiencing a lot of pain at home towards September/October 2021. That’s when we first encountered St Nicholas Hospice Care. The pain team came to our house, giving us advice and different alternatives for treatments to help alleviate Lisa’s pain. That support continued for several weeks until it became too much for Lisa to manage at home.

“We were advised to apply for a bed at the hospice, thinking it might take weeks. But on the same day we applied, a bed was available. We quickly packed a bag and made our way to the Hospice. It was a daunting time, but as soon as we arrived, the nurses welcomed us with open arms. They took all the stress off me, and I immediately felt supported.

“When Lisa was admitted, she was in a lot of pain, and it took a few days to get her morphine levels right. The nurses worked tirelessly, and soon Lisa was much more comfortable. She expressed her relief and peace to the nurses. At home, it was 24 hours of stress, but here, they got everything under control, and I felt supported too.

“Lisa was placed in the Sylvan Ward, and we felt welcomed. The nurses kept checking on me, updating me on Lisa’s condition. I visited almost every day during the five weeks from November 21st, when Lisa was admitted, until she passed away on December 21st. The nurses assured me I was always welcome, which meant a lot.

“We settled into a routine where I spent afternoons and evenings with Lisa. It was reassuring to know that help was just a button press away. After the first couple of weeks of managing her pain, we hoped Lisa might come home, but her condition had deteriorated too much. Despite this, we felt privileged to have a safe place at the Hospice.

“The Hospice staff were incredibly kind, and their care extended to our entire family. Leading up to Christmas, they arranged evenings where we could have pizza, ice cream, and watch movies with the children. Those moments were precious, even though I was just trying to put on a brave face for the kids.

“Lisa was later moved to her own room, giving us more privacy. We decorated a Christmas tree, which became a memorable part of our time there. The day after we lost Lisa, I’d so much other things on my mind but the Hospice phoned me and said don’t worry we’ve got your Christmas tree and we’re going to deliver it in the in the van.

“When I got back that afternoon, I’d had a call out somewhere, and that day obviously I was just walking around like a zombie. I got back and the tree was right on my front doorstep with all the baubles and everything on it still. The fact the Hospice thought about the little things as well made such a difference. I’d offered to come and pick it up myself, but they insisted that’d deliver it. It was those moments which made such a difference.

“The nurses formed a special bond with Lisa, chatting about our children and other topics to take her mind off her illness. They created a supportive environment for us, and I felt a sense of community. One special memory was when our son James visited with a jewellery box he had made for Lisa. It was a beautiful moment they shared.

“As Lisa’s condition worsened, the Hospice staff continued to provide support. They offered practical advice and emotional comfort, making sure I wasn’t alone during those difficult days. Their presence made a challenging situation bearable, and I am forever grateful for their compassion and care.

“The Hospice gave us a safe space and we really appreciated the chance to have a have a bed. We felt privileged and I still do feel that it was a privilege to be able to come here because it made such a difference not only for Lisa but for me and James and Amber and our family and friends.

“The Hospice has also offered support for our children, James and Amber, though they have found comfort in their friends. Knowing that support is available if needed provided reassurance.

“After Lisa died, I returned to the Hospice to volunteer, feeling closer to her and finding comfort in being part of the community. I also began fundraising for the Hospice, alongside family and friends organising events like dinner dances and running marathons.

“Volunteering and fundraising have become ways for me to stay connected to the Hospice and honour Lisa’s memory.

“The whole journey has helped me immensely with dealing with the grief because it’s kept me focused and the effort we’ve put in has shown with the money we’ve raised it’s not about the amounts it’s the response you get from other people as well. They genuinely do care and they know the Hospice has touched most people’s lives locally. I think most people know someone that’s been here or has had treatment here or lost a family member or friend here

“The staff’s kindness, the support during Lisa’s final weeks, and the ongoing connections have made a world of difference. The Hospice has become like family, and I am committed to continuing my support for the invaluable work they do.

“Lisa was such a character, such a strong person, and I still see that in the children. I can see Lisa in James and Amber, in the way they are. They could be different. They’ve lost their mum. They could be angry at the world, but they’ve still got that empathy and kindness. That’s definitely all Lisa, through and through.”