Everywhere we went, people spoke about the hospice with such high regard, and we encountered lots of occasions when we were able to support them through fundraising events.

After witnessing and hearing the amazing stories of this hospice from others, I was completely unaware of the true importance St Rocco’s would hold for us many years later. 

My lovely late husband, Jim Muir, was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in March 2018.  We spent all the rest of the year and a lot of 2019 at Aintree Hospital or Clatterbridge where he underwent surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.  Sadly, after yet another admission to Aintree with severe haemorrhaging, Jim was advised that it would be better to be transferred to St Rocco’s for end-of-life care.

We arrived, via ambulance in early December 2019.  I can still remember him physically relaxing and the stress leaving him as we went into his room – Buttercup room.  It was where he wanted to be, and I was happy to see him pain free and calm.  After a night sleeping in a chair, they moved us to Sunflower room where there is an extra bed so I could stay every night.  

Words can’t explain how amazing everyone was at St Rocco’s.  As well as welcoming lots of our loved ones from Scotland, London and other places across the UK, they let our cockerpoo, Ted come to visit him as often as Jim wanted.  We were allowed in at any time and this meant we could be a family in a situation where we felt it was out of reach.  BUT, for me, it allowed me to become his wife again.  I didn’t have to worry about medication, eating, drinking, haemorrhaging, dressings etc, I was allowed to just be there and support him. 

They looked after him with such care and tenderness, but they also looked after me.  St Rocco’s has such a calmness when you walk into it, but it is also full of life and ensures that patients and their families are cared for at the most difficult time of their lives.  Jim passed away on 10 December 2019.

Two years later in January 2022, I started to volunteer at St Rocco’s as a receptionist which has just confirmed all my above thoughts.  I bought a leaf on the Tree of Life as it’s opposite reception, so I see it every time I volunteer.  It’s such a lovely way to remember Jim and I love reading other families’ thoughts and memories.  It’s a great way to support St Rocco’s and have something special as well.

To find out more about our Tree of Life and how you can buy a leaf in memory of a loved one, you can talk to our Supporter Care Team by calling 01925 575780 or emailing supportercare@stroccos.org.uk.