JENNIFER Newton is one of thousands of people who have had their dying wishes granted by the Hospice at Home team.

The 76-year-old chose to pass away in familiar surroundings and in March this year was at home when she took her final breath.

“Mum died at home in our sitting room three days after her last lunch in the garden, watching the insects and birds,” said daughter Siobhan Newton.

“Thanks to the Hospice at Home team we know that in her last hours she was as comfortable and calm as was possible, and so were we. That was a great gift to have been given.”

Mrs Newton, of Hornby, had decided that neither a hospital nor the Hospice would be right for her in her final moments, leading her family to discover the Hospice at Home team.

“Planning to manage the process of dying is something that no one really gives thought to until it is absolutely necessary,” said Miss Newton.

“But by the end of the team’s first visit, mum was completely at peace with the idea that, unless her needs changed, that this was the optimum solution.”

Mrs Newton was looked after by the team for two weeks before she lost her fight against cancer.

During that time she was kept comfortable with medical treatment, while her family received advice and psychological support.

“The importance of this last element should not be overlooked,” said Miss Newton.

“Caring for a loved one in this situation is a privilege and has moments of great joy and love, but it is not always easy.

“Knowing that there was a friendly and knowledgeable ear at hand made a huge difference to my peace of mind and ability to care for mum.”

After her mother’s death, Miss Newton fundraised for the hospice through a memorial concert – and now she plans to help the Gazette’s campaign to raise money for new vehicles.

To donate to the Westmorland Gazette’s Driving Hospice Care campaign send cheques made payable to Driving Hospice Care to Anna Clarke, The Westmorland Gazette, 1 Wainwright’s Yard, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4DP.


Cheques should be marked on the back ‘Driving Hospice Care’.

Please include your name, full postal address, telephone number and email address.