Author: Harmony Beverly-Jackson

Honouring Peter, helping others: Sabine’s story

Posted on by Harmony Beverly-Jackson
St Christopher's C Icon Teal and Coral

Sabine said, “The difference was immediate when we arrived at the hospice. It was the most soothing environment.”

Peter was in his seventies when he died, leaving behind his wife, Sabine, to whom he had been married for almost 30 years. Together they had shared nearly four decades of life, building a home and a future alongside one another. Sabine, now 73, originally came from Germany but has lived in London for around 45 years and where she met Peter.

Peter was an exceptionally intelligent and brilliant electronic engineer. A mathematician and scientist by training, he became a leading expert in audio and video compression technology. Throughout his career, he developed products for his American employer for which he received a numbers of worldwide patents. As Director of Research and Development his innovations helped shape his field of expertise, a role that reflected both his expertise and leadership, reporting directly to the company’s CEO. His work was deeply analytical, and he was respected for the knowledge and precision he brought to everything he did.

About twelve years before he died, Peter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Despite the challenges that came with the condition, he continued to live and work as fully as possible. As time passed, however, his health became increasingly fragile. A further complication arose when he developed a benign enlarged prostate that required a catheter. Unfortunately, the catheter led to repeated infections, creating a cascade of health problems that ultimately accelerated his decline.

Early December 2025 after a fall, Peter was admitted to the Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough, where is remained until early Jan 2026. The hospital environment felt noisy, busy and unsettling at a time when Peter needed peace and comfort. Peter’s family recognised that a different setting would be better for this care and possibly prepare for his final days. Efforts were made to transfer him to St Christopher’s Hospice, which eventually was achieved just after New Year.

Sabine said, “The difference was immediate when we arrived at the hospice. It was the most soothing environment.” The hospice was calm, peaceful and designed for people approaching the end of their lives. The atmosphere itself seemed to ease Peter’s anxiety. Family members and friends who visited noticed the change as well. The agitation and discomfort they had seen in hospital were replaced by a sense of calm.

“St Christopher’s gave him a calmer final week and provided his family with precious reassurance during an immensely difficult time.”

For Sabine, the care provided by the hospice staff was extraordinary. Sabine said, “They paid attention not only to Peter’s medical needs but also to his dignity. Practical equipment such as catheter bags and morphine pumps were discreetly tucked away. Staff ensured he looked comfortable and cared for, preserving his sense of personhood at a time when so much else was being lost. Their kindness and professionalism helped Peter appear more peaceful and at ease.”

Sabine visited every day. Sometimes she stayed late into the night, even attempting to rest in a chair so she could remain close to him. Family and friends came to spend time with Peter and say their goodbyes. Although it was a painful period, there was comfort in seeing him settled and cared for in an environment that respected his dignity.

Peter died on 11 January, 2026 surrounded by the care and compassion that Sabine believes he deserved.

In the months after Peter’s death, Sabine found practical ways to honour his memory. She gradually began to donate his clothes to the local St Christopher’s charity shop, where his belongings that had once been part of his life will find a new purpose. She also became increasingly involved in supporting the hospice and its fundraising efforts.

One of the ways she does this is through the annual Funwalks, the biggest community event for St Christopher’s. Sabine has completed three Funwalks and proudly keeps her medal as a reminder of her involvement. Sabine said, “ I am part of a Nordic walking group and I am currently organising the next Funwalk with my friends to attend, creating WhatsApp groups to coordinate participants and encourage others to take part.” For her, the walks are about more than fundraising; they bring people together and help sustain a service that relies heavily on community support.

The Nordic Walking Group walks three times a week. Staying active has become a vital part of how she copes with grief. Alongside her walking, she teaches yoga, mainly to older people, helping others maintain their wellbeing while also finding purpose in her own routine. She has even begun attending mindfulness and forest-bathing retreats, seeking moments of reflection and peace in nature.

Six months after Peter’s death, the grief remains raw. Yet Sabine continues to move forward one day at a time. Through yoga, walking, friendships, fundraising and community involvement, she keeps herself busy while carrying Peter’s memory with her.

Sabine said, “In his final days, the care he received at St Christopher’s Hospice gave him comfort, dignity and peace. “ And in the months that followed, Sabine found strength in her community, ensuring that the support which helped Peter would continue to help others.

Sandra and Wilson: bringing comfort when it matters most

Posted on by Harmony Beverly-Jackson

At 77 years old, Sandra is still making a remarkable difference to people receiving end-of-life care at St Christopher’s Hospice. After spending 35 to 40 years running her own travel company, she is now semi-retired, dedicating part of her time each week to volunteering with her therapy dog, Wilson. 

Sandra’s journey as a hospice volunteer began more than a decade ago when she walked into reception with her black Labrador, Max, and asked a simple question: “How can we help?” 

The hospice could. After completing patient-facing volunteer training, Sandra and Max began visiting patients, offering comfort, companionship and a welcome distraction from illness. Today, Sandra continues that work with Wilson, a six-and-a-half-year-old spaniel who has been visiting the wards at the hospice for around five years. 

Sandra and Wilson volunteer once a week, visiting patients across the hospice’s three wards and occasionally spending time in Namaste sessions in the Lavender Room. No two visits are the same. Some days they may only see a couple of patients, while on others they will meet eight or more. Interactions can be as brief as a friendly hello or involve sitting with someone for half an hour, chatting and sharing memories.

Wilson’s impact is often immediate. Patients stroke him, cuddle him and, when appropriate, invite him onto their beds. Sandra has seen how a dog’s presence can bring comfort in a way that words sometimes cannot. Sandra said: “The weight of the dog on your bed is something quite special.” 

For many patients, Wilson sparks conversations about beloved pets from the past, family life and treasured memories. Those moments can help people feel relaxed, comforted and more connected at a time when they may be feeling isolated or anxious. 

The visits can be just as valuable for family members as they are for patients. Relatives often welcome the chance to focus on something positive, even if only for a few minutes. Wilson helps break the ice, encourages conversation and brings a sense of normality into difficult situations.

Sandra believes that volunteering in a patient-facing role is about understanding people and recognising when a visit is wanted and when it is not. She said , “Some people are frightened, some people are busy, and some don’t really want to engage,” she explains. “You have to read the room.” 

That sensitivity is important in a hospice setting, where needs and emotions can change from one moment to the next. Sandra knows when to stay and chat, and when to quietly move on. 

Her golden rule is that patients do not feed Wilson. “He’s a spaniel,” Sandra laughs. “He’d beg from everyone if he could.” 

Outside the hospice, Wilson also gives back to the community by visiting a local Primary School, where he listens to children read. Sandra has found that children who are reluctant readers often feel more confident reading aloud to a dog than to an adult. 

While Sandra finds volunteering incredibly rewarding, she is also honest about the emotional challenges that come with supporting people who are nearing the end of their lives. 

“You do get involved,” she says. “Sometimes it can be quite tough afterwards.” 

She says the role can be challenging at times, but volunteers are supported by hospice staff and have access to supervision to help them navigate the emotional demands of a patient-facing role. 

Despite the challenges, Sandra has no plans to stop. More than ten years after first offering her help, she continues to provide comfort, companionship and kindness to patients and families at some of the most difficult moments of their lives. 

And when patients or relatives need a little extra support before she leaves, Sandra’s response is always the same: 

“If you think of something else, just let me know.” 

“Fun Walk brings the hospice to the community and the community to the hospice” 

Posted on by Harmony Beverly-Jackson

“Fun Walk brings the hospice to the community and the community to the hospice” 

For more than 30 years, Michael has been a familiar sight at St Christopher’s Fun Walk. 

Whether dressed as Mickey Mouse, a parrot, a white rabbit or his much-loved wolf, he’s spent decades bringing smiles to walkers while helping raise vital funds for hospice care. Now aged 82, Michael has a connection to St Christopher’s that runs deeper than most. Not only was he one of the people who helped establish the first Fun Walk through his local Rotary Club, but years later he experienced first-hand the support St Christopher’s provides when his wife was cared for by the hospice. 

“It’s been the best day of each year,” says Michael. “Even if I’d been on exciting holidays, the Fun Walk was always something special.”

The idea for the event was born in the late 1980s when Michael and fellow Rotarian David Stoneham attended a hospice charity walk in Tunbridge Wells. “We got lost,” Michael laughs. “Then we turned to one another and asked “Why don’t we do one of these ourselves?”. Back in Bromley, the pair set about organising a walk in support of St Christopher’s. Despite unkind weather, the first event was a remarkable success, raising £27,000 for the hospice. “It rained all day and everybody was soaked,” Michael remembers. “But we knew we’d done something worthwhile.” 

The money raised helped fund patient transport vehicles for the hospice and marked the beginning of what would grow into one of St Christopher’s most loved annual fundraising events. Over the years, Michael became known for his elaborate costumes. Surprisingly, he says they were inspired by shyness rather than a desire to stand out. “I’m very shy. I don’t want to be identified with the walk. I’d rather be identified as the wolf.” 

His wolf costume remains a favourite. Complete with a cooling fan fitted inside by Michael himself, it’s become a familiar sight for generations of walkers. “It’s very durable,” he says, with ‘air conditioning’ and even enough room for a sandwich if nobody’s looking.”

“While the costumes create plenty of fun, Michael believes the real magic of Fun Walk lies in the community spirit it creates. 

“It’s a community adventure,” he says. “People come together for all sorts of reasons, but they’re all supporting something important.” 

For Michael, that importance became deeply personal when his wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer during the Covid pandemic. For four and a half years he cared for her at home, with support from St Christopher’s. “When things got out of my hands, the hospice team came in like the cavalry,” he says. “Their support was brilliant. I would recommend anybody to support St Christopher’s.” 

Today, Michael is receiving treatment for cancer himself and has benefited from St Christopher’s services. With treatment ongoing, he was still determined to take part in this year’s Fun Walk, helped along the route by his son and daughter-in-law. “If I get to the next one, I’ll go,” he says. “Even if it’s in a wheelchair.”

Having seen the event grow from an ambitious community fundraiser into the much-loved event it is today, Michael hopes future generations will continue to support it. “People like me probably won’t be here forever,” he says. “We need to keep the living organism that is the Fun Walk alive.” 

For him, Fun Walk is about more than raising money. It’s about ensuring St Christopher’s can continue supporting families facing some of life’s most difficult moments, just as it supported his. 

“The Fun Walk brings the hospice to the community and the community to the hospice,” says Michael. 

“And that’s why it matters.” 

Eli and Maria: supported at home, supported as a family

Posted on by Harmony Beverly-Jackson

“They consider everything, not just one part of your illness. It’s all aspects of your life, and they involve your family as well.” 

When Eli first noticed a persistent cough, cancer was the last thing on his mind. A nurse by profession and someone who considers himself health conscious, Eli initially sought help through his GP in October. After multiple appointments, scans and referrals, he received unexpected and life-changing news: he had advanced-stage cancer. 

“It was very surprising,” Eli explains. “I’ve always been quite particular with my health. It’s the last thing I would have expected.”

The 53-year-old’s journey to St Christopher’s Hospice began during a hospital admission at King’s. His initial reaction to the word ‘hospice’ was one of anxiety. 

“At first, I thought hospice care was only about dying,” he says. “I was a little bit hesitant. But I thought I might as well try it, because I needed support.” 

That perception quickly changed. 

“Once I got to know the team and visited St Christopher’s, I realised it’s not just about end of life. It’s about caring for the whole person, without focusing only on dying.” 

Since connecting with St Christopher’s, Eli has experienced what he describes as “amazing” and continuous care. One of the most significant changes has been in managing his pain, previously one of his biggest concerns. 

“The pain was very difficult,” he says. “I’m quite a physical person and like to keep moving, so not being able to do that was frustrating. Now, the pain is very minimal, and that has made a huge difference.” 

Eli also values how the hospice team takes a holistic approach, looking beyond just physical symptoms. 

“They consider everything, not just one part of your illness. It’s all aspects of your life, and they involve your family as well.” 

Before his diagnosis, Eli was an active cyclist, regularly riding long distances each week. At one stage, the pain and treatment made him think he might never return to cycling. 

Now, with improved pain management and encouragement from the team, he has started using an exercise bike again at home.

“It makes me feel more normal,” he says. “Like I still have a purpose. Even just being able to get on the bike again is a big step.” 

“As long as I can get outside and enjoy some fresh air, that means a lot.” 

Being able to receive care at home has been especially important for Eli. With regular home visits and access to a 24/7 support line, he feels reassured and more in control. 

“At home, you’re more comfortable and able to speak freely,” he explains. “There are times when it’s difficult to attend appointments, so having that support come to you is incredible. It shows real dedication from the team.” 

This support has helped both Eli and his wife, Maria, feel less alone and more confident managing his condition. 

Maria, 53, says: “You know that if something goes wrong, there’s someone you can call. That gives you peace of mind.”  

A key part of the couple’s experience has been the relationship they have built with Patrick, one of St Christopher’s Clinical Nurse Specialists who works in the community. 

“He’s very approachable and really understands what I need,” Eli says. “He looks at everything properly and helps address any issues.” 

Patrick has also played an important role in involving Eli’s family in his care, helping to open up conversations that might otherwise feel difficult. 

“It helped me understand what my family is thinking and feeling,” Eli explains. “That kind of support is really valuable, it’s not just about me, it’s about all of us.”

Eli’s experience has transformed his understanding of what hospice care really is – something he now actively encourages others to consider. 

“I would strongly recommend people give it a try,” he says. “You’ll get the support you deserve.” 

Reflecting on his journey, Eli is clear about the difference St Christopher’s has made. 

“The care is more comprehensive. It’s not just about one issue – it’s everything. I only wish more people understood what hospice care really offers.” 

Long-lost siblings reunited thanks to hospice support

Posted on by Harmony Beverly-Jackson
Photo of Muriel and Phoebe smiling at eachother

“I think hospices can help people live really well with illnesses and not many people know that. I think Muriel is a great example of helping people understand that.”

When Muriel first mentioned a brother she hadn’t seen for many years, it sparked a remarkable chain of events, one that would lead to an emotional reunion neither of them expected.

Muriel, 73, from Brockley, has been attending St Christopher’s since July 2023 after being referred by doctors at Guy’s Hospital. Living with breast cancer and following the death of her husband Joseph, she arrived at the hospice feeling withdrawn and isolated, rarely leaving home.

During a conversation about what mattered most to her, Muriel spoke about her brother, Colin, who she had lost touch with many years earlier. Recognising how important this was, the hospice’s Learning Disabilities Clinical Nurse Specialist Phoebe Mooney set out to try and find him.

Working with colleagues across organisations, Phoebe eventually tracked Colin down. After navigating the necessary processes, she discovered something extraordinary.

Colin was already part of the St Christopher’s community, volunteering at the charity’s Downham shop.

A meeting was arranged, and when the siblings were reunited, it was an emotional moment.

“I was in tears, crying on his shoulder,” Muriel recalled. “I’d missed him a lot, he was my page boy at our wedding. He couldn’t believe it was me.”


Phoebe added: “It’s huge they met up. It’s such a happy story. I honestly couldn’t believe it.”

Muriel’s journey with the hospice has been transformative in many ways. When she first started attending, staff say she was very quiet and kept to herself. Over time, with regular visits and support, she has begun to thrive.

Phoebe says: “Coming here completely changed her life. She absolutely loves it and says it gives her purpose. She’s got to know everybody so well.”

Muriel has become a familiar and much-loved presence across the hospice. She enjoys spending time in the gym, particularly on the treadmill, attending art sessions where she has painted pictures of her late husband, and taking part in Namaste sessions, often having her nails painted to match her outfit.

“Since I’ve been coming here, I feel more relaxed. I love coming here,” Muriel says.

She has also formed strong friendships with patients, staff and volunteers, often visiting the hospice’s shops to buy small gifts, from puzzles to nail varnish, to share with others.

Muriel’s story highlights the powerful impact of early referral to hospice care, particularly for people with learning disabilities.

“It shows how helpful earlier involvement can be,” Phoebe explained. “She’s so chatty and friendly now, a completely different person. She’s really come out of her shell. Everybody knows her, she always puts a smile on people’s faces.”

Muriel and Phoebe smiling at the camera.

How Jo’s love of gardening is helping St Christopher’s grow

Posted on by Harmony Beverly-Jackson

You don’t run and walking isn’t really your thing, but you’d like to raise money for St Christopher’s and possess green fingers and the garden to prove it. 

That’s the position in which avid gardener Jo Hopkins found herself in 2018, a year after the death of her father-in-law Arthur Hopkins who’d supported the hospice for more than 30 years as a thank-you for the care they’d provided his wife Mary, who died there in 1981. 

In the years since, she’s raised more than £18,000 for St Christopher’s welcoming people into her 160ft Beckenham garden as part of the Open Garden scheme. Three hundred visited on the first occasion alone.

Jo’s now so enthusiastic about the scheme she’s taken on responsibility for managing it with her fellow horticulturalist Myra Bright, (watch Myra’s video here) and is on the hunt for more South East London gardeners keen to show their blooms and raise valuable funds for St Christopher’s.

So far, Jo and Myra have lined up 12 gardens that will open for a day each between April and September, but there’s potential for many more. 

“There will be gardens of all kinds, large and small. Some with wonderful spring flowers, one with a wonderful wisteria. Some people provide fabulous cakes and tea, but it’s not obligatory to do that. 

“I know it can feel quite daunting the first time, and you might be out there tweaking and snipping the night before while worrying that no one will turn up. But I assure you, that when you open the garden gate people will come and they’ll love your garden.  

Jo’s love of gardening started early, growing narcissi and nasturtiums at primary school in Bermondsey. Encouraged by her green-fingered grandmother and mother she’s never looked back. 

Due to essential work on the conservatory, Jo won’t be opening her own garden this year, but she and Myra – along with their newly recruited team of volunteers – will be on hand to help any open garden debutants. 

“We were told that one of the things putting people off opening their gardens was not having support on the day. So, we went on Facebook in lots of local groups and have now got 30 people on board including some mums with young children and a young man keen to learn about gardening.”

“My husband John and I have also met so many lovely people through our openings.”

“Gardening is my happy place. When I’m gardening, I don’t think about anything else, I just find it meditative. Particularly in the winter, I just love it out there.”

The volunteer open garden team have already met up at St Christopher’s and are now ready and raring to go. 

Now, for more gardens…Jo and Myra are employing all possible means to sign them up. They’ve knocked on doors, approached the owner of a smart looking front garden on Christmas Eve and have a network of garden designers primed to tip them off about new candidates.

“St Christopher’s is such a good, caring place. Opening the garden you get people who’ll come because they’ve known someone who has been cared for there, or they just love gardens, or often both. You can charge people to come in or just ask for donations which is what I do.

So, whether you’d like to open your garden, however large or small, or support others opening theirs, contact Jo Hopkins by emailing her at jhoppo47@gmail.com 

From Cornwall to Camberwell, trustee Ann Kenrick cycled 300 miles in memory of her friend Marieke, raising more than £3,000 for St Christopher’s.  

Posted on by Harmony Beverly-Jackson

From Cornwall to Camberwell, trustee Ann Kenrick cycled 300 miles in memory of her friend Marieke, raising more than £3,000 for St Christopher’s.

The journey was long, emotional and often gruelling, but for Ann, every mile was a tribute to a woman who lived with extraordinary spirit and whose final months were supported with compassion by the hospice. 

Marieke, who lived in Southwark, was 66 when she died surrounded by her husband, five children and six grandchildren. She had first developed breast cancer around seven years earlier and underwent a mastectomy. After a second preventative mastectomy, the cancer returned in 2022 after a period of remission, and she chose not to continue treatment last year. As her condition became more complex, she was helped at home by St Christopher’s for around six months. She was supported with care that Ann describes as flexible, respectful and centred entirely on what mattered most to Marieke. 

Ann and Marieke met about twelve years ago when Marieke moved in round the corner. But the connection was instant. They shared a love of long walks, cold‑water swimming at Brockwell Lido and knitting, and soon became part of a close group of friends who still walk together today. The name of the WhatsApp group was changed last year from “London Walkers” to “Marieke’s Walkers” in her memory. Ann said: 

 “Meeting someone you have such a close bond with at this age is very special. I count myself so lucky to have known her.” 

It was this friendship that carried Ann through the toughest moments of the ride. By Day Five, she and her husband Mark had reached Richmond at 6:30pm, having already cycled more than 300 miles from Cornwall. “I was exhausted. My legs ached, my gears were misbehaving, and I was ready to stop,” she recalls. At a traffic light, she turned to Mark and said, half‑seriously: “We told people we were cycling from Cornwall to London… and we’re in London. Could we just get the train back to Camberwell?” 

They had set out to cycle from Lover’s Walk in Crackington Haven to their home in Love Walk, Camberwell, and he reminded her of the promise they had made. And, as Ann says, “Marieke, in her feisty Irish accent, would have told us to get on with it.” Mark took her pannier to lighten the load, and that small act of kindness made all the difference for the final ten miles. 

The journey itself was far from straightforward. They had mapped the route themselves, aiming for around 60 miles a day over five days and staying with friends along the way. Cycling apps sent them down rough, ancient tracks and chalky paths across the Downs. Devon and Somerset were relentless, with steep climbs and deep valleys that pushed them to their limits.

Over the five days, they climbed nearly 7,000 metres, roughly the equivalent of cycling 80% of Mount Everest. They battled headwinds, rain and even hail, and endured a 20‑mile stretch of rough gravel along the Kennet and Avon Canal that left them wishing for far more padding than they had. 

But the journey was also beautiful. Travelling slowly by bike meant noticing everything: bluebell woods, blossoming trees, quiet streams crossed by humpback bridges, and villages gathered around ancient churches. With every county boundary, the landscape changed – from Cornwall’s iron‑rich soil to Devon’s hidden lanes, the wide levels of Somerset, and the pale chalk hills of Wiltshire and Hampshire. “It felt like travelling not just across distance, but across the story of the land itself,” Ann says. 

Throughout it all, she kept thinking of Marieke. Even as her illness progressed, Marieke continued to live fully, swimming in cold water, walking with friends, knitting beautiful creations for those she loved. When her pain became more complex, St Christopher’s offered her a stay at the hospice to assess pain management options, but she gently said she wanted to remain at home. The team adapted immediately, ensuring she could stay where she felt most comfortable.

“That compassion, that flexibility, that respect for what matters most, that is what we were riding for,” Ann says. 

A mutual friend captured Marieke’s spirit perfectly: “I see not a dying friend, but one who is living until the end.” 

When Ann and Mark finally arrived home in Camberwell, the sense of joy was overwhelming, not only for completing the journey, but for honouring Marieke and supporting the hospice that had cared for her with such dignity and humanity. “It was gruelling, beautiful, emotional and unforgettable,” Ann reflects. “And I know Marieke would have been cheering us on.” 

Marieke was Irish with a Belgian mother. She had lived in Bahrain, Kew and Connemara before settling back in London about 25 years ago.  She studied and taught Art History and ran a successful Art Gallery in central London with her husband Bruce.

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“We’re doing this for Robin who was the most inspiring, kind and genuine man.”

Posted on by Harmony Beverly-Jackson

 “The ride was just incredible, hard, but the best thing I have ever done. The people just made it.”

Everyone is familiar with the idea of a pub crawl, right? But what about a brewery ride? When you learn that this fundraiser for St Christopher’s and Macmillan is in memory of a man who loved cycling and beer it all becomes a bit clearer.

Fifteen of Robin Jackson’s closest family and friends will mount their bikes at Titsey Brewery in Kent and pedal their way to St Austell Brewery in Cornwall.

Robin’s niece Annie, a self-confessed cycling novice, is fully expecting the 250-plus mile ride to be a serious challenge but is determined to complete the four-day marathon in her uncle’s honour.

“Before starting the training, the last time I cycled was over a year ago. I went out with my Dad, Robin’s brother, for about an hour and had to walk up every hill. I go to the gym and run but riding a bike is a whole new dynamic and I kept falling off trying to use the cleats.

“But we’re doing this for Robin who was the most inspiring, kind and genuine man, always trying to make other people happy. Dad came up with the idea to bring together two of Robin’s passions as well as his favourite people and we’ll be honouring him and raising money for two organisations that helped him fulfil his wish to stay at home at the end of his life.”

Robin, who lived in Bromley and ran his own specialist travel company, was referred to St Christopher’s a year or so after being diagnosed with cancer.  Up until that point, he’d not let his diagnosis stop him from living life to the full, continuing to see friends and family, swimming, watching his beloved Arsenal and Bromley FC as well as having the odd beer.

Annie says it wasn’t just Robin who benefitted from the care and support provided by St Christopher’s.

“Mandy his wife and Sam his son, were supported beyond measure by St Christopher’s. What I think they really appreciated more than anything else was the human level on which the nurses communicated with them.

“Sam is an only child and for him to witness care being delivered to his father by people that genuinely cared made a massive difference for him.”

Robin was also able to attend Sam’s wedding before his condition deteriorated.

“Staying at home was the thing Dad wanted more than anything,” says Sam.

“It meant he was in his own environment where he felt safe and comfortable with us, his family, and Eddie the dog too.”

When the friends and family line up at the start of the ride at Titsey Brewery on 23 April, it’ll be just over a year since Robin died and Sam, who’s only just bought a bike, believes he’ll be more than just in their thoughts.

“Hopefully Dad will be watching us along the way, and when we cross the finish line we’ll forget the pain from the previous four days I’m definitely looking forward to the last day when we’ll finish as a group, say a few words about Dad, have a few beers and look back on the ride with pride.”

You can support Robin, Sam and their fellow Brewery to Brewery cyclists here.

And if you’re thinking of organising your own fundraiser for St Christopher’s and would like our expert team to support you, contact communityfundraising@stchristophers.org.uk. 

St Christopher’s responds to the fall of the Assisted Dying Bill

Posted on by Harmony Beverly-Jackson

At St Christopher’s Hospice, which is neutral on whether or not the law should be changed, we’ve been engaging with the topic of Assisted Dying closely over recent years, offering our expertise and insight to politicians and the public, and learning from our staff, community and volunteers.

Today April 24 marks the last possible day of debate in the House of Lords before the Bill ‘times out’.  We know this may be an emotional moment for those who have been following the potential change in the law.

At St Christopher’s we acknowledge the wide-ranging views held by the public and professionals on Assisted Dying and the importance of everyone accessing good palliative care.

Today, we feel it is important to remind the government of the promises made over hospice and palliative care funding during the parliamentary debates and wider conversation around end of life care.

Steve Smith, CEO of St Christopher’s Hospice, home of the modern hospice movement started by Dame Cicely Saunders, says:

“Today we are urging that the Prime Minister and government meet the commitments made by politicians during debates of the Assisted Dying bill and invest in hospice and palliative care.

“At St Christopher’s Hospice we are neutral on whether or not the law should be changed but we haven’t shied away from the conversation. We’ve been engaging with the issue of Assisted Dying closely over recent years, offering our expertise and insight to politicians and the public, as well as learning from our community, staff and volunteers.

“During the debates, MPs of all persuasions highlighted the importance of palliative and hospice care and committed to supporting further investment in our vital services.

“Yet as the legislation has made its way through parliament, the financial pressure on hospices has only intensified. Chronic underfunding has collided with rapidly rising need. Nearly 60% of hospices in England have made or are considering cuts to frontline services.

“There is a clear lack of effective oversight of the independent hospice sector and so regardless of any future legislation around Assisted Dying, we call on the Prime Minister and the government to listen to parliament and invest significantly in palliative and end of life care.

“The message is clear. Deliver fair funding for hospices and prevent further cuts to the care that people need at the end of their lives.”

 “Fundraising for St Christopher’s helps keep Scott’s memory alive and he would be so proud of what the family are doing in his name.”

Posted on by Harmony Beverly-Jackson

“Scott said he wanted to go on lots of holidays and especially to skydive over The Palm,”

Scott Simmons loved to fly. Lessons at Biggin Hill from the age of 14, piloting a microlite as an air cadet, skydiving with his family in Dubai or just watching planes and the night sky from the garden of his Orpington home – all of these things made Scott happy.

Scott was just 33 when he passed away in December 2024, after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2022. The trainee accountant lived life as fully as possible in those two years, travelling with his mum Karen, Dad Chris and sister Ashleigh, and other family members, including trips to Egypt, Turkey, Center Parcs and Dubai where Scott, Ashleigh and Karen went skydiving over The Palm.

“Scott said he wanted to go on lots of holidays and especially to skydive over The Palm,” remembers Chris. “It was such an incredible thing to do and even though he was in the middle of his treatment he never complained once.”

It was only in the last few weeks of Scott’s life that he started to slow down. At this point, St Christopher’s stepped in to support Scott and his family.

Karen remembers: “To start with we were all a bit sceptical about the hospice being involved as we thought it was just about end-of-life care and Scott would have to go into the hospice. He always wanted to stay at home and was much happier when the doctor explained he could do that. They provided a hospital bed, other equipment and the medical supplies to make it possible.

 “The nurses and doctors were amazing. They were so kind, caring and compassionate. They understood what Scott wanted, and the whole team really gelled with him giving him so much time and attention. In fact, they didn’t just care for Scott, they also cared for us as a family. We wouldn’t have received that kind of help from anyone else.

“I think getting to know the doctors and his social worker gave Scott real comfort; so much so that when they sat with Scott for private moments in his room, he was able to talk about his fears for me, Chris and Ashleigh. They gave him advice, guidance and a listening ear when he needed it. His main concern always was that he wasn’t going to be there for us.”

While Karen and Chris were upset at the suggestion at the time, they now thank their hospice social worker for addressing a crucial practicality.

 “About two weeks before Scott passed away, the social worker asked if we’d thought about the funeral arrangements and contacting funeral directors,” Karen says.

“We were horrified initially, but it was the best piece of advice we’d ever had.

“In your initial moments of grief that’s the last thing on your mind. For us, after making that contact with several funeral directors, we felt reassured that when the time came, we knew that the company we had chosen would respect our wishes and take care of Scott.”

Within five months of Scott’s passing, 44 family members and friends, all wearing t-shirts with his photo on, came together at the St Christopher’s Fun Walk and Karen, Chris and Ashleigh have got over 100 sign ups for the 2026 Fun Walk. With an ongoing JustGiving page in Scott’s name and Ashleigh’s fiancé Luke running the London Marathon for the hospice, the family expect the £13,000 they’ve already raised to continue to grow. The Traders’ Committee in Royal Parade, Chislehurst where Karen works have also agreed that their annual charity Christmas Lights fundraising event will this year support the hospice.

 “The Fun Walk was brilliant,” says Chris.

“The atmosphere was wonderful, and it was so nice having people who’d seen the photo of Scott on our t-shirts coming up and asking us about him. Everyone there has a story about their loved one.

 “Fundraising for St Christopher’s helps keep Scott’s memory alive and he would be so proud of what the family are doing in his name.

Check out Scott’s much loved page here.

“We also want to show other people that hospices aren’t just about end of life, but about care, guidance and support for families as well as patients.”

Karen, Chris and Ashleigh think about Scott every day and Karen has recently completed a course of bereavement counselling at St Christopher’s.

“The counsellor helped me realise that losing someone is traumatic. We did everything we could for Scott regarding his care.  We were all involved with him in making those choices. We wouldn’t have done it any other way. The counselling was definitely beneficial though.”

Popping into St Christopher’s Orpington regularly has also provided the family with comfort.

“When I go there for a coffee, they always remember me and take time to have a chat.  It’s so nice to know that even 11 months later they still remember Scott. He had an impact on them, and they had an impact on us.”

We are returning for Fun Walk 2026

“We are joining thousands of others at St Christopher’s Fun Walk this year because the hospice was there for our son, Scott, when he needed them.

“St Christopher’s relies on its community to raise vital funds to deliver their expert care, and so after taking part last year with 44 of us, this year it would be our dream to have a team of 100 of Scott’s friends, family and colleagues to walk in his memory.

“Come and support your local hospice at Fun Walk and also enjoy a fun-filled day out. There’s so much going on across the site, with games, stalls and food and drink, and it’s also a chance to share stories and memories about those people who are no longer with us.

“I know Scott would be so proud of us, as we were so proud of him.”