A Legacy of Love
When Fiona was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2023, her daughter Katie was five months pregnant with her first child.
Fiona was, in Katie’s words, “the life and soul of the party”: a woman who always put her family first. Even after doctors said they were very concerned and urged her to attend urgent scans, Fiona remained optimistic. Her positivity was so strong that Katie and her sisters began to question whether they were exaggerating how serious the diagnosis really was.
In truth, the diagnosis was devastating. The cancer was spreading quickly and chemotherapy was unsuccessful. Yet Fiona’s focus never shifted from her family, especially Katie, who was approaching the birth of her daughter. She was determined to meet her grandchild, something Katie now realises was as much for her own comfort as her mum’s.
In the final weeks of her life, Fiona prepared for her granddaughter’s arrival by cooking meals for Katie’s freezer. She refused to let her pain show, even as it worsened. When baby Tara Fiona was born, she was brought to meet her Granny at home. Fiona held her, stroked her tiny face, and softly whispered, “Hello, I’m your Granny.”
Just two hours later, Fiona was admitted to The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice. At first, the family hoped the hospice would simply help manage her pain. Katie’s stepdad had cared for her at home with incredible dedication, but Fiona’s condition was changing rapidly.
Fiona died ten days later, on 4 August 2023.
Katie continues to grieve the loss of her mum while navigating new motherhood. It breaks her heart that her daughter will never know her Granny, and that she does not have her mum beside her to guide her through becoming a parent herself.
Still, Katie feels her mother’s influence every day. Fiona taught her how to be strong in the face of adversity, how to be selfless, and how to put family first. These lessons remain with her always.
A Special Place at the Hospice
Katie says the care her mum received at the hospice brought enormous comfort to the family during the hardest of times. She remembers the kindness, compassion and dignity shown to Fiona by every member of the team.
One moment stands out in particular. A doctor gently explained that Fiona would not be able to leave the hospice because her pain had increased so much. Although devastating, the doctor’s empathy and respect reinforced just how special the hospice team are. From cleaners and volunteers to nurses and doctors, every person played a part in Fiona’s care.
A Legacy of Strength and Kindness
Fiona’s story is one of unwavering love: a mother determined to hold on long enough to meet her grandchild, and a daughter who carries her spirit forward. It is also a reminder of the importance of compassionate end-of-life care, and the difference it makes not just for patients, but for their families too.
A Lasting Legacy
You can help ensure future families receive the same compassionate care by leaving a gift in your Will. It is a legacy of love that lasts beyond a lifetime.
