Remembering Dad: A thank you to North Devon Hospice

Ten years ago today my Dad’s story ended at North Devon Hospice. Originally from New Zealand, he became a Ship Broker, then Author before setting up the literacy charity BookreliefUK not long before his diagnosis. The charity is still operating today - his legacy. 

A citizen of the world and perpetual traveller, I initially wasn’t sure how he’d feel about spending his last days in a hospice on the outskirts of a Devon market town (would he feel like his wings had been clipped?), but within hours of arriving we both knew he’d made the right decision; he was finally, after 4 years of fighting hard against metastatic bowel cancer, peaceful.

There’s something special about the North Devon Hospice, an ethereal aura that surrounds the place as a whole - and all those who work there - in my opinion. He was my beloved Dad, but he was loved by the team at the hospice too. They laughed with him, listened to his wishes and helped him feel safe - his passing was beautiful and dignified.

In a strange, full circle kind of way, a decade on and I’m still entwined with the hospice. A friend was admitted over the weekend and she is now navigating the end of her life there too. Just this evening, she sent our group chat a photo of two tinsel-clad donkeys standing at the end of her bed. Yup, that’s exactly what I’d expect from North Devon Hospice; a moment of light and good humour amidst the grief you feel as you near the final chapter of a brilliant novel…

Talking of light moments, I have just dedicated a virtual candle to my Dad; the NDH Light Up A Life campaign is absolutely the most fitting way to remember a loved one at this time of year.

Sarah x