When Eve was nearing the end of her life, her husband, Colin, didn’t know how he was going to cope alone. With no close family around them, all he wanted was for Eve to be comfortable, cared for, and treated with dignity. With support from Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, that’s exactly what happened — with the couple receiving comfort and compassion when it was needed most.
“Eve’s care could not have been handled better.”
As Eve’s condition worsened in April 2022, her husband was doing everything he could to care for her at home, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. That’s when Dr Kershaw’s Hospice at Home Team stepped in to support Eve and Colin before she was later admitted to their Inpatient Unit, where she was cared for in her final days. Eve was 72, just weeks away from her 73rd birthday…
“Where do I even begin with Eve? Whatever I say, it will never fully describe the phenomenon that she was.
Eve was one of the kindest people I have ever known. She never had children of her own, but she opened her home to so many young people who needed help, guidance, or simply somewhere safe to be. Many even called Eve their surrogate mum.
She loved animals too, and the house was always full of cats and dogs. She even cared for dogs through ‘Holidays for Dogs,’ offering care for dogs whose owners were on holiday. Sometimes there would even be five or six dogs that Eve was looking after in the house. This was just who she was; unwaveringly kind and caring.
Eve lived a full and fascinating life. She loved to travel and had a varied career, from developing computer systems that were used internationally, to giving her time to help others through Citizens Advice. She was incredibly intelligent, principled, and independent, yet never really knew just how special she was.
She helped people without judging them. That’s what made her who she was.
In the last few weeks of Eve’s life, things became very difficult. I was with her constantly, trying to make sure she was as comfortable as possible, but I knew I couldn’t do it alone.
When Dr Kershaw’s Hospice at Home Team visited on 22 April, they were honest and compassionate. They explained what would happen next and reassured me that Eve would be prioritised for end-of-life care in their Inpatient Unit. She was admitted just a few days later.
That meant everything.
I cannot fault the Hospice. From the moment Eve arrived, the care she received was exceptional.
They made sure she was comfortable and clean, and treated her with real dignity. There was so little that could be done medically at that stage, but the way they cared for her — and for me — made all the difference.
I visited at least three times a day, sometimes bringing our dog with me. Those moments were incredibly emotional, but the staff were always there with kindness and understanding.
We didn’t have family around us, but I never felt alone. The staff were unfailingly kind to both of us, and Eve’s care could not have been handled better.”
A lasting impact
Eve died in the homely, comfortable environment of the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit on 4 May 2022, aged 72.
She left behind so many people whose lives she touched — her husband Colin, friends and the people she helped without ever expecting anything in return.
In the last days of Eve’s life, the Hospice’s nurses kept her comfortable and supported the couple with compassion, dignity and understanding.
The care Eve received from Dr Kershaw’s Hospice has left a lasting impact on Colin.
Since then, Colin has been a member of the Hospice’s Weekly Lottery, and his ongoing contribution now provides care and support for other people’s loved ones, like Eve, when they need it most.
🩷 Because every moment matters 🩷
I visited at least three times a day, sometimes bringing our dog with me. Those moments were incredibly emotional, but the staff were always there with kindness and understanding.