Rebecca Jenkins’ life was centred around her family. She adored her children and grandchildren and found joy in simple pleasures. Before her illness, she was an avid knitter, a dedicated worker at the Co-op, and ran a playgroup for 15 years, always giving her time to those who needed it.
“On May 26th, 2024, my mum, Rebecca, had a fall after experiencing shooting pains down her legs, shoulder pain, and just a general feeling of being unwell,” says her daughter, Lucy. “The ambulance crew decided to take her into hospital, and because she bumped her head, they needed to do a CT and MRI. That was when all our lives changed.”
After the tests, the family was told that Rebecca had cancer in her spine, lungs, kidneys, and skull. The family was devastated. “Mum was in total shock and disbelief, and so were we,” Lucy remembers. “She was given six months to live, and we were told that treatment was not an option. We were totally devastated.”
Despite this overwhelming news, Rebecca remained incredibly strong.
Mum kept saying she would never let it beat her."Lucy
Rebecca chose to go home to be with her beloved husband: Lucy’s dad, Martin. For about five weeks, Rebecca was cared for at home by Martin with support from private home care company, Bluebird Care. “Dad was fantastic,” Lucy says. “He helped Mum throughout the day and night, sorted her medications—everything. I don’t think Mum could’ve asked for more.”
But there were ups and downs, and the challenges of managing Rebecca’s care at home took their toll on Martin. Her medication was complex, and it was difficult for the Bluebird team to get it right.
Eventually, Rebecca was offered a place at St Margaret’s on the In-Patient Unit (IPU), where expert clinicians could manage her symptoms and medication while providing the family with some respite. Martin, Rebecca, and Lucy were initially sceptical about hospice care, thinking it was only a place where people went to die.
We had never experienced a hospice before. But I’d been into care homes, where you’d see old ladies in a circle and think, ‘what a way to end up.’ But St Margaret’s was totally different.”Martin
On Rebecca’s move-in day, the family was welcomed by a lovely nurse and shown to her room, which had an outstanding view. “Mum seemed to be very calm and at peace with the surroundings. The nurse showed my dad and me around the hospice, and we couldn’t believe how calm and warm it was.”
Everyone we saw greeted us with a smile and a ‘hello.’”Lucy
As the weeks went on, Rebecca’s pain was carefully managed, with the medical team constantly monitoring and adjusting her medication to ensure her comfort. “Mum had some wonderful nurses who made her laugh and put her at ease. One of the nurses even did hand henna art for her, which Mum absolutely loved,” Lucy recalls.
Martin also remembers the individualised care that was given. “They painted her nails, too; she had some funny rainbow-colored toenails at times. And the HCAs left her little ducks and a ladybird—little gifts.”
All those tiny touches that made it feel a bit more like you."Lucy
St Margaret’s gave Rebecca the time to enjoy the small things: the birds and squirrels outside her window, the special gifts left for her by the HCAs, and the daily puddings that always brought a smile to her face. “The chefs were incredible. They made Mum so many puddings, even when her appetite wasn’t great,” says Lucy. “And the cleaners always made her giggle—she loved everyone. She really enjoyed their company.”
The family was able to celebrate special moments, including Martin’s birthday, while Rebecca was at the hospice. “The nurses made sure we had everything we needed. They even put up birthday banners, and sang,” says Lucy. “Family was everything to Mum, and it was so important for her to be part of those moments.”
It felt like home, but not quite home."Martin
Martin appreciated how the hospice was so welcoming. “The family could visit when they wanted to, and it was never a problem, never an inconvenience. At other places, you can’t go in after five or six, but it was nice to be able to come in and see her just before she was ready to go to sleep. I’d even have my tea with her.” St Margaret’s gave Martin the time to be with his wife without needing to worry about her care.
Lucy, too, appreciated the peace of mind that the hospice provided.
It was really nice to know when you're not there with Mum, that there's people who would care for her to the highest degree.”Lucy
Eventually, Rebecca’s condition deteriorated, and the decision was made to keep her on the IPU. As Rebecca’s final days approached, the nurses and doctors continued to provide the most compassionate care. They were always there when needed.
“They played Mum’s favourite music for her,” Lucy remembers the morning of Rebecca’s passing. “She would try to mouth the words, and you could see she was reacting to it. Then, peacefully, she slipped away with all of us by her side. Just like she wanted. She knew that we were there.”
Martin, Lucy, and their family are deeply grateful for the care Rebecca received.
From the cleaners who always stopped to ask how we were and made Mum giggle, to the chefs who gave us countless puddings, to the unbelievably talented nurses, doctors, and HCAs who formed special connections with Mum—we can’t thank you enough. Thank you from all of our hearts for providing Mum with the most peaceful end-of-life care.”Lucy
