Ann and her husband Paul have generously donated £2,000 to Pendleside Hospice as a thank you for the care Ann has received while staying on the Inpatient Unit.
Ann, 65, from Brierfield, wanted to make the donation herself and to say thank you while she could. After everything the hospice team have done for her and her family, she felt it was important to give something back.
Ann said: “I wanted to donate something while I am still alive to show how thankful I am to the staff here at the hospice.
“The staff have gone above and beyond. They are so kind and caring and nothing is too much trouble. They’ve made me feel like part of the family.”
Ann was diagnosed with ovarian cancer five years ago. More recently, her illness has become progressively worse. She originally came into Pendleside Hospice for symptom control, but during her stay she was told that her care is now palliative.
While this news has been difficult for Ann and her family, the support from staff has helped them feel reassured and cared for throughout. Being at Pendleside has meant Ann can spend valuable time with Paul, their children and grandchildren in a calm and supportive environment.
Ann and Paul have been married for 43 years and will celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary on 24th July. They have five children and three grandchildren, who have been visiting Ann regularly at the hospice.
Those visits have meant a great deal to Ann. Her grandchildren have been busy colouring pictures to display around her room, adding personal touches and bringing moments of brightness and joy for the family to enjoy together. For Ann, having her loved ones around her makes all the difference.
Ann and Paul have shared a lot over the years. One of Ann’s biggest loves is Disney, and the couple have visited Disney World in Florida four times. Their most recent trip was in December 2025, when they travelled with two of their children.
For Ann, those holidays are filled with happy memories of time spent together as a family, enjoying the parks and everything she loves about Disney. It is something that has brought her a great deal of happiness over the years and remains a big part of who she is.
Ann also spent much of her life caring for others. She worked for 37 years as a Learning Disability Nurse at Calderstones NHS Trust. It was a career she dedicated many years to and one that reflected her commitment to supporting and caring for people.
Having worked in healthcare herself, Ann understands how much kindness, compassion and patience matter. She has seen those qualities every day in the staff at Pendleside.
Now receiving care herself, Ann has particularly noticed the small things, the way staff speak to her and check in on her. Those moments have made a significant difference and are a large part of why saying thank you felt so important.
Through their donation, Ann and Paul hope other local families will continue to receive the same compassion, comfort and support that has meant so much to them.
The £2,000 donation will help Pendleside Hospice continue providing care and support to local people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families when they need it most.
Ann wanted to say thank you while she could. If her story has inspired you, please consider supporting Pendleside Hospice so that more local families can receive the same care, that has meant so much to Ann and her loved ones.
To make a donation, please visit Donate to us