East Lancashire Hospice

Supporting our patients to make lasting memories

Marie Jagger – A Patient’s Story

Marie Jagger was cared for at East Lancashire Hospice in November 2020.

During the time Marie spent on the Inpatients Unit at the Hospice, staff who looked after her were able to help her mark a very special occaision, her upcoming 55th Emerald Wedding Anniversary.

When Marie was first admitted, her husband Ken, a retired fireman, sent an anniversary card to her. In return and with some asisstance from her daughter Sonia who purchased a card for Ken on her behalf, and with the assistance of the staff on the Inpatient Unit, Marie was able to recipricate the gesture in writing a card for Ken in return.

Although Marie was quite unwell at the time, Sonia together with Denise, one of the nurses caring for Marie, were able to ask her what she wanted to write and when ‘To Ken with all my love always, Marie’ was suggested, she was able to nod to confirm she was happy with this.

Despite being very frail and sleepy, Sonia held the card for her dear mother whilst Denise gently held and supported Marie’s hand and Marie held the pen.  As she wrote, Sonia and Denise suggested that Marie add three kisses, and as Marie came to the end of what she was writing, she continued to move her hand putting a fourth kiss on for good measure and adding a delicate and gentle nod, demonstrating her contentment and satisfaction in doing so.

This anniversary card meant so very much to all fo the family; to Marie who was able to send it to her beloved husband, Ken, to Sonia who was able to help fulfill her mother’s wish and to Ken for whom the card would be the last and would provide a lasting memory of his wonderful wife.   

For Denise too, it was a priviledge to be able to help support Marie with one of her final wishes, to help her make the most of her life and to give comfort to Marie’s family in her final days which is so very important to everyone at the Hospice and is at the heart of everything we do.

Sadly Marie died a few days before she reached her 55th Wedding Anniversary, however the family were able to arrange for her funeral to take place on what would have been the date as per her husband Ken’s wishes. 

To help us provide care and support to people like Marie and her family in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley, you can make a donation via our website at eastla­nc­shos­pice.­org.­uk/­donate or alternatively you can call our Fundraising Department on (01254) 287 014

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