The first time I walked into Thorpe Hall Hospice I couldn’t believe how amazing, colourful and warm it was.

When Mum was admitted to the hospice to manage the symptoms of her cancer, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I needn’t have worried; the Sue Ryder Nurses were so caring and treated her as an individual.

The hospice gave us time to make so many memories – I could take Mum out in her wheelchair and go round the beautiful gardens, which she loved. It was so nice to be able to take Mum’s dog Tyler into the hospice so he could sit with her. We were able to personalise her room and put flowers in it.

I could see that she was no longer in pain and was happy. Mum wrote a book, which we found after she died. In it, she said how safe and happy she felt at Thorpe Hall.

"My last moment with Mum was really special"

Mum went home for a bit, but then she had to go back to hospital. We returned to Thorpe Hall Hospice a few months later for end of life care.

It was really scary thinking she wasn’t going to get better again, but the nurses and doctors were amazing. They cared for Mum so well around the clock – and we were looked after too; there was always someone to talk to.

When Mum did die, she was really peaceful.

After she had just died, the nurses made me a cup of tea and I just sat with her. It was my last moment with her and it was really special; I needed that. It was nice knowing she had passed away safe and happy and not in pain on her last day.

Afterwards, Dad and I went to group bereavement support sessions at Thorpe Hall. They were really beneficial; it was good to talk to other people who were going through the same things as I was going through. I had no idea how Dad was feeling and it made us understand each other better.

Thorpe Hall's Walk to Remember

I started fundraising for Thorpe Hall Hospice because I want to make sure other families can have the same expert care as my family.

So far, I’ve organised cake sales, head shaves and leg waxes, and even completed a skydive!

Last year, I was also part of a committee of volunteers who helped to organise the inaugural Walk to Remember, a sponsored walk that raised over £10,000.

This year, I’m head of the committee for the 2019 Walk to Remember, a 6.5K walk in Peterborough on Sunday 19th May. Last year’s walk was a really friendly, happy celebration and we hope everyone will be able to join us this year. Four-legged friends are very welcome!

It will be an opportunity to come together with family and friends, and celebrate the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us. Guests will be able to wear a pin-on sign in memory of their loved one.

The walk will end with a special celebration where there will be a reflection area with a memory tree to hang dedications on, as well as Sue Ryder staff on hand to talk to if needed.

Want to join Amy on the walk?

Until 1st March 2019, there is an early bird ticket offer of £7 for adults, £4 for children and £20 for a family ticket. After that, it will cost £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for a family. You can sign up online now.

If you'd like any more information, please contact Thorpe Hall’s fundraising team on 01733 225 999 or email thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org.