‘This is Hospice Care': powerful new video challenges perceptions of end-of-life care

“Duncan was so happy. I remember his face, it was like a boost of energy for him.”

“There are so many emotions, so many challenges. I would just sit and listen, try and help… what's important is making some memories.”

- Carmen Brown and Marta Gil, caregivers at Thames Hospice.

For many, the words ‘end-of-life care’ will evoke an immediate meaning: loss, sadness, final goodbyes.

But a powerful new film released by Thames Hospice seeks to broaden the picture.

Entitled ‘Duncan’s Story’, the film follows the experience of one patient receiving end-of-life care at Thames Hospice, challenging notions of dying as a time devoid of happiness.

Memories are still there to be made, and with the right support – for a patient and their family – those moments can be meaningful and lasting.

It comes as the national campaign This is Hospice Care gets underway, aiming to shine a light on the importance of the UK’s hospice services – and the ongoing financial struggle required to keep them operating.

During the film, we hear from Duncan, who died late last month aged 66. He said his treatment at Thames Hospice made him feel there was ‘more life left in me’.

There are also reflections from two people at the centre of Duncan’s time at the hospice, pastoral care worker Carmen Brown and senior hospice nurse Marta Gil.

“I think a lot of people come here, to a hospice, thinking it’s going to be dark, it’s going to be gloomy, sad,” Ms Brown told the Advertiser.

“And then they say, ‘oh, this isn’t what I expected’. It’s the atmosphere, there are lots of people and actually, lots of laughter.”

Duncan was admitted to Thames Hospice in July last year.

Living with stage four cancer and an infection, he was unable to eat properly or walk. His family feared he would not come home.

But specialist care from the medical team, nurses, physiotherapists, and support services such as counselling helped him recover enough to return home.

Carmen Brown and Marta Gil at Thames Hospice

Ms Gil, one of the nurses caring for him, said: “We have patients that come here and they can go home because their admission is for symptom management.

“But in Duncan’s case, his admission was for end-of-life care – he was extremely poorly and coming from time in hospital.

“And to reach the point of sending him completely home, walking as well, not even in a wheelchair, I think that’s why it was quite impressive.”

That time at home allowed Duncan to spend more precious moments with his family and even attend a football game to see his beloved Reading play and hear the stadium crowd one last time.

There are many more stories of memories made at Thames Hospice: a young patient’s visit from rapper Central Cee, a message from Dolly Parton, or a romantic Michelin-starred dinner for two.

While Duncan was being treated at the hospice, he also received a visit from Royals captain Lewis Wing.

“Duncan was so happy… I remember his face, it was like a boost of energy for him,” Ms Gil said. "I had to calm him down in the evening.

"That’s such a happy story for the family to have and share.

“But I didn’t need a football player to see that change in him; this is only an example.

“I remember the first time I saw him walking with the Zimmer frame.

“It was amazing, not only for me, but for him as well.”

At Thames Hospice, there are specialist clinical teams as well as teams of counsellors like Ms Brown, helping patients and their families.

Ms Brown said: “I think they [Duncan and his family] just all needed, as you see in the video, someone to put their arms around them and say, ‘we’re here for you, what do you need from us?’

“And I think that made such a big difference for them – just to feel supported.”

She continued: “There are so many emotions, so many challenges. I would just sit and listen, try and help them. What’s important is making some memories.

“I think finding out that Duncan loved Reading and that [meeting the captain and seeing a game again] was huge for him and so special for his whole family.”

Duncan said his treatment at Thames Hospice made him feel there was ‘more life left in me’

The This is Hospice Care campaign is supported by 143 hospices across the UK and highlights the importance of raising awareness of the financial struggles facing the industry.

Thames Hospice’s services are free to access, but behind that lies an enormous fundraising effort to source the £39,000 a day it needs.

Charitable gifts in people’s wills play a vital role and help Thames Hospice fund one in five of its beds for patients.

The charity's chief executive officer Rachael de Caux said: “Thames Hospice is powered by the very community we serve.

"Whether we are helping a partner provide care at home, supporting a child through grief, or guiding friends on how to help, our work is only possible because of the kindness of others.

"Gifts in Wills are a cornerstone of this support, currently funding one in five of our inpatient beds. These legacy gifts ensure that vital care is there - not just for the patient, but also for their loved ones.”

To find out more about the This is Hospice Care campaign, visit Thames Hospice's website.