“We need a bit of Tobie every day. He’s what keeps us going.”
For many, the thought of visiting a loved one in a hospice can be daunting, filled with uncertainty and emotional weight. Yet, within these spaces, there are often unexpected sources of comfort and strength.
For Andy and Anne-Marie, that unexpected comfort came from a gentle and affectionate companion who has become a beacon of hope and solace for families and staff alike – Tobie the cat.
The siblings had been with their mum, Bertta, every day on the ward since she was admitted.
“We were there day and night, and the nights were really quite hard. We didn’t think we could keep staying every night, watching Mum slip away.” Andy says.
St Christopher’s chaplain Sam was invited to offer a blessing for Bertta and encouraged Andy and Anne-Marie to take a walk in the garden to breathe, even if just for a moment.
That’s when they met Tobie.
“Mum loved animals and they naturally gravitated towards her – Tobie gravitated towards us and it felt like a sign from Mum”
“Tobie ran straight up to us, like he knew we needed him,” Andy says. “He was so affectionate and playful. For the first time in what felt like forever, we actually laughed.”
Anne-Marie nods. “Mum loved animals and they naturally gravitated towards her – Tobie gravitated towards us and it felt like a sign from Mum, almost like she sent Tobie to remind us we’re going to be okay. It gave us the strength to stay.”
Andy adds: “Every time we came back from the garden, we didn’t know what we’d walk into. But after that moment with Tobie, something changed. It lifted us. We decided then and there — we’re staying with Mum. We’ll get through this.”
Since that day, Tobie has never been far away.
“He always seems to find us,” Anne-Marie says with a smile. “Or Rachel, one of the healthcare assistants, brings him out to see us. He’s like our little therapy tonic.”
Andy adds: “Our Tobie tonic“, with a smile. “We need a bit of Tobie every day. He’s what keeps us going.”
“I like spending time with Tobie because it makes me feel calm, it’s very therapeutic”
Rachel, who has built a deep bond with Tobie, often takes time in her mornings and lunch breaks to sit with him. For her, the comfort he brings is just as powerful.
“I like spending time with Tobie because it makes me feel calm, it’s very therapeutic” she said. “It’s amazing to see how he’s gone from a shy, nervous cat to one who now brings so much comfort to people like Andy and Anne-Marie. He’s part of St Christopher’s now.”
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