Pauline and John Troy shared a deep bond, having spent nearly every moment together since retiring early to live in France.
John was my everything. He was 13 years older than me, so when he turned 60, we decided he'd worked enough, and we moved to France. From 2003, we were together 24/7. Losing him felt like losing my entire purpose."
In 2016, John’s health challenges began with atrial fibrillation, followed by conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and spinal stenosis. Despite his deteriorating health, John remained positive. “I always said that if I had to deal with what John endured, I’d have given up years ago. But he always found something to enjoy.”
In January 2023, John was diagnosed with terminal cancer after a prolonged illness that began just before Christmas. The couple faced a difficult journey, including returning to the UK, marked by hospital visits, limited treatment options, and eventual reliance on hospice care.
Pauline turned to St Margaret’s Hospice
When John’s health began to fail rapidly, Pauline turned to St Margaret’s Hospice for support. The hospice provided an environment vastly different from the hospitals John had frequented.
Walking into St Margaret’s felt so calming. It was the opposite of the stress hospitals bring. Everyone was smiling, there was no rushing, and it just felt like a place of peace and dignity.”
St Margaret’s not only cared for John physically but also for Pauline emotionally. She recalls, “They were angels on Earth. There was always someone to talk to, someone to offer advice. They even brought a doctor to our home to make sure John’s medications were tailored to keep him comfortable. It was unbelievable support.”
The hospice’s care extended to the small details that mattered most. Pauline was able to share meals with John, eating shepherd’s pie—his favourite—together in his room. On his final night, the hospice arranged for Pauline to sleep in his room, ensuring she could be by his side until the end. “Even when John was unconscious, they spoke to him like he was wide awake. They were cheeky to him, just as he would’ve liked. They made him smile in the worst time of our lives.”
In the summer before John’s passing, the couple decided to welcome a new Newfoundland dog into their lives after losing their previous one. John insisted on finding another companion for Pauline, knowing how much she needed a dog’s presence. “We contacted the Newfoundland rescue and found Lola. She hadn’t been mistreated but needed a new home. When she arrived, she immediately sat next to John on the sofa, and they became inseparable.”
Lola provided comfort to John
Lola provided comfort to John during his final months, even accompanying Pauline to the hospice. “From the first day she came to the hospice, Lola jumped on John’s bed, as if she knew she belonged there. She brought joy not just to John but to everyone around.” Lola’s presence had an extraordinary impact on other patients. Pauline recalls how a young girl asked to meet Lola and then encouraged her father to bring the dog into her mother’s room, “Alarms went off as Lola moved through the room, but it didn’t matter. The man later thanked me, saying the only time his wife smiled during the day was when Lola visited.”
Other patients chased Pauline down corridors, asking if Lola could visit their rooms, spreading joy and comfort wherever she went.
After John’s passing, Pauline knew Lola’s ability to bring smiles could continue helping others. Though it took six months to get certified through Pets As Therapy, Pauline dedicated herself to the process. Lola passed her assessment with flying colours.
Now, she’s my lifeline. She gets me out of bed every day, gives me purpose, and brings smiles to others in ways I never imagined.”
Lola now visits St Margaret’s Hospice regularly, including the Sunflower Centre. Pauline reflects on one such visit, “It takes me 15 minutes just to get through the door because everyone wants to see Lola. She’s adored by the staff and patients alike. If I can help put smiles on faces, especially for those going through what I went through, then that’s my way of giving back.”
Even after John’s passing, the hospice continues to support Pauline through telephone therapy and complementary treatments like Reiki.
I still get calls from the hospice team, helping me navigate my grief. Combined with Lola’s therapy work and even equine therapy, I’m finding ways to heal. I don’t know what I would have done without the hospice. They’ve saved me.”
Hospices like St Margaret’s are about dignity and respect
Pauline advocates strongly for hospice care, emphasising its compassionate and holistic approach, “Hospices like St Margaret’s are about dignity and respect. They treat people with care, even in their final moments. For anyone considering a hospice; know it’s not a place of fear but a sanctuary. It’s where you’ll find peace, comfort, and kindness.”
Pauline’s journey with St Margaret’s Hospice is one of profound love and gratitude. Through her work with Lola, she honours John’s memory while finding a renewed sense of purpose.
John would be so proud of us. Helping others smile, even in their darkest times, has helped me heal. And Lola? She’s not just a therapy dog—she’s my hero.”
Lola and Pauline continue to visit the hospice, spreading joy to patients, families, and staff, proving that even in the face of loss, love and purpose can endure.
