'The hospice gave me the gift of being Bob's wife again, not just his carer'

In return for a donation, supporters are invited to dedicate a light on the hospice’s Tree of Lights in memory of a loved one, with trees located in the grounds of Wakefield Hospice and at Wakefield Cathedral.

Each dedication made will also see the name of the person being remembered entered into the Book of Blessings, displayed in Wakefield Cathedral throughout December until Twelfth Night, with online dedications also appearing on their virtual in-memory display.

In 2020, Andie Hammond’s husband Bob was cared for at Wakefield Hospice and she’s sharing her own personal story on the support they received during Bob’s short stay and how she will be dedicating her light in memory of Bob at Christmas.

“My journey with Wakefield Hospice began in 2020, when my husband Bob was very poorly,” Andie said.

"He was in Pinderfields, but he had made it clear that his wish for end-of-life care was to be at the hospice.

"I didn’t think it would be possible, but then, one Thursday morning, they told us we could come.

“We had Thursday together, then Friday morning and afternoon before Bob passed away, but the care for him, for me and for our two children during that time, was wonderful.

"They gave me the gift of being his wife again, not just his carer. I could sit with him, talk with him, and hand over the medical side to the staff, who gave him so much comfort.

" I’ll never forget that peace.

"Bob was my best friend – he made me laugh every day, I really was blessed with a fantastic life.

"Bob always had funny bones, right up until the end, and I treasure the memories of being able to laugh together for a final time when we were at the hospice, it’s a real special cherished moment."

Andie also said how much she appreciated the hospices bereavement support.

“I had gone to visit my daughter who lives in Guernsey but then Covid struck and I ended up staying with her there for 10 months.

"Even while I was away, the hospice kept checking in with me by text, which meant a lot.

“When I came back, they invited me to the bereavement group. Walking through that door was hard. At first I wasn’t sure I’d return. But then someone offered me a slice of homemade chocolate cake and introduced himself: ‘I’m Bob.’

"I couldn’t believe it – here I was, grieving my Bob, and meeting another.

“Through the group I met people who became true friends, bound together by shared loss and a shared love of music.

“Even now, when I walk into the building, I feel the peace. I sit by the Tree of Life and breathe it in. The hospice is more than a place—it’s comfort, friendship, and strength.

"For Bob and for me, it gave us dignity, laughter, and love right to the end.

"Because of the hospice my life’s been enriched in ways I never expected.”

To find out more about the Light up a Life campaign and to make your dedication, visit www.wakefieldhospice.org/lual or call 01924 331400.