When Kev and Emily got married, in honour of his mum, they decided that they would ask for donations to the hospice rather than wedding presents. They shared their story with us, explaining just why they wanted to make this generous gesture.

Kev

"Both my Mum and Grandad spent time in the hospice, the support offered was faultless. The hospice went beyond all expectations, it made what was such a difficult time, a little easier. We just wanted a way to say how grateful we are really, that the hospice was available to us and helped us through that period."

Emily

"I hadn’t been to the hospice before so I didn’t know what to expect but I think I thought it would be more like a hospital with fixed visiting hours; we could come and go as we pleased and be there all day every day."

Kev

"At a time when everything was in disarray and falling apart in our lives, the hospice was calm and supportive with people who just made it easier in ways that are hard to articulate. Time spent there when we weren’t at my Mum’s bedside, but in the common areas, taking it all in, living through that experience, it was as nice a place as possible to do that. I think it’s because the hospice takes on all the responsibility for the care and the admin, all the questions you don’t know how to answer, all the things you haven’t been through before. It just lets you be and do what you want to navigate your way through that situation."

Emily

"They really valued things to do; we could sit and do jigsaws all day and just be there in each other’s company. We are so grateful to be able to reflect on the experience in a positive way. I loved her room, we could have the doors open and it had beautiful flowers, which she loved, so that was really special."

Kev

"Katharine House just lifts the burden from you, so you can focus on what is important; making the most of those last days, and supporting each other through it. It allows you to do that in a way that seems so effortless to the people there at the hospice. We didn’t have to ask for anything, everything was just taken care of. We didn’t even have to think. After weeks of caring for Mum at home, that was a real relief really, because all you do is think and then you worry and you think you’re doing everything wrong. When we got to the hospice we didn’t have to worry about that anymore because we knew she was in the best hands."

Kev

"When we got engaged, we were passionate that if people did want to give a gift, that they donated to the hospice to recognise the amazing work Katharine House does and acknowledge the support they gave us as a family when my mum spent her last days at the hospice."

Emily

"It felt like a no-brainer to us. We were trying to think of a way to honour the people that wouldn’t be at our wedding, it felt like the most perfect way to honour Kev’s mum. We want our wedding to be personal, and try to support the local community too. We are getting married at our favourite local restaurant, and our neighbour Betty is making our wedding favours."

Katharine House Hospice

• If you're interested in creating your own personalised fundraising page, whether it be for a party, wedding or other celebration, you can find out more on our mark a special occasion page.
• To find out more about the work we do, read What we do or explore our For Patients and Families pages.
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