Sandra and Wilson: bringing comfort when it matters most
Sandra makes a remarkable difference to people receiving end-of-life care at St Christopher’s Hospice with her therapy dog, Wilson.
Stories
Stories from patients, staff, volunteers and supporters
“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…
Actress Linda Murphy Regan donates a specialist bed to St Christopher’s in memory of her late husband, Brian Murphy
When Linda’s husband, Brian, died in 2025, Linda set out to raise funds to donate a specialist falls bed to…
Andrea completes a run around the world at St Christopher’s Hospice
Andrea has spent the last 18 months running around the world, finishing her journey at St Christopher’s Hospice in June…
Eli and Maria: supported at home, supported as a family
When Eli first noticed a persistent cough, cancer was the last thing on his mind. A nurse by profession and…
Long-lost siblings reunited thanks to hospice support
“I think hospices can help people live really well with illnesses and not many people know that. I think Muriel…
“We need more volunteers because there’s a need out there.”
This Volunteers’ Week, Maureen shares with us her experiences of volunteering at one of our Bereavement Help Points.
How Jo’s love of gardening is helping St Christopher’s grow
That’s the position in which avid gardener Jo Hopkins found herself in 2018, a year after the death of her…
“Placing a ribbon on the memorial tree each year has become an important tradition for our family.”
The Rootes Family share how important it is for them to keep coming back to St Christopher’s, in memory of…
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…
“It just gives me a sense of peace, tranquillity and calm.”
Melissa hopes that visitors to her Dulwich garden will find themselves transported to her native Australia.
“We’re doing this for Robin who was the most inspiring, kind and genuine man.”
Everyone is familiar with the idea of a pub crawl, right? But what about a brewery ride? When you learn…
Bereaved mum of two, Astrid, runs the London Marathon and raises over £22,000
After Astrid’s husband, Theo, died in January 2025, Astrid was determined to complete the London Marathon
Meet Sasha, St Christopher’s Hospice Doula
Sasha Primakova shares her experiences and thoughts on being our first Hospice Doula
A really fantastic family event!
For mum Caroline Tooke Fisher and her daughter Sophie, St Christopher’s Fun Walk really is a family affair.
“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.”
Scott Simmons loved to fly. Lessons at Biggin Hill from the age of 14, piloting a microlite as an air…
“I felt comforted from the very beginning”: Adriana’s time at St Christopher’s
Adriana moved to the UK from Romania around twenty years ago, first working as a nanny before returning to her…
Dan cycles from the Lake District to Kent in just two days, raising over £16,000 for St Christopher’s
Dan knew he’d have to call on every last ounce of the inner strength shown by his wife Beth during…
Hand in Hand for Dinesh: Tahlia and Shyla Take on the Brighton Half Marathon
Tahlia Gnanapragasam had to summon all the fighting spirit from her days as part of the British national taekwondo team…
Geraint John and Elis James raise over £6,000 for St Christopher’s hospice
A half-time race across the pitch at Dulwich Hamlet’s Champion Hill ground, in memory of Geraint’s wife, Debs, raises over…
Eddie Reed makes it to Millwall match one last time
Eddie Reed, 83, watched Millwall play one last time, surrounded by his family, and thanks to St Christopher’s.
The surprising side of hospice care
When Andy Samuel found out his daughter was getting married, he knew he would do anything to walk her down…
Nadia and Sean keep coming back to Keston for the fun of it
Nadia Kruger and her husband Sean Hennessy have been coming to Fun Walk for over 10 years.
“Many of us have a connection to someone who’s been cared for by St Christopher’s and that makes playing at Fun Walk even more special.
“We love playing at Fun Walk because it has a carnival atmosphere. We try and get everyone involved, dancing and…
“It’s the highlight of my year.”
“I know people who’ve had support from St Christopher’s and so anything we can give back, we will.”
“You’re united by that feeling of joint grief and connected to everyone else on the walk in a shared experience.”
“It’s so inclusive and family oriented and everyone’s so lovely.”
“Pleasure comes from helping others.”
Grips Tyres and Wheels in Catford has raised over £23,000 for St Christopher’s over the years.
Music lover Elisabeth Pugh puts the band back together to raise over £3,000
Elisabeth Pugh joins lifelong friends in the Ex-Bromley Youth Chamber Orchestra to raise over £3,000
“I don’t like that I have MND but I am happy with my life.”
“They make you feel like you are the only person there because they treat you as a person not a…
My awareness and response to End of Life
Pippa shares how CARE has been helpful to her to write about her response to her Mum’s end of life
Our 2025 highlights
We take a look at a small selection of our supporters from 2025 who might inspire you to get involved…
Perhaps the most telling sign of the family’s positive experience of St Christopher’s, is their desire to return regularly.
When young married couple Nina and Matthew were looking for a new home in south-east London 18 years ago, the…
“Seeing my nan live to 92 made me want to make the most of my life. So, I started running.”
It was only the strong competitive streak inherited from his nan, and the knowledge so many people had sponsored him,…
“The Christmas present was mum being with us”
Allen is backing our Christmas Appeal after his family celebrated at the hospice last year.
“Our job is to help people think about the things they can do rather those they can’t.”
“It’s a unique and special privilege to be with people and their families at this stage of their life. I’m…
“There’s a whole side to St Christopher’s that people don’t know about”
Thousands of people have completed the St Christopher’s Fun Walk over the years, almost all raising money in memory of…
Colin Russell’s legacy
“[Colin] wanted to make a difference, had a big heart and St Christopher’s became very important to him.”
Celebrating Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to reflect, celebrate and honour the remarkable contributions of Black individuals who have shaped…
‘Remembering ourselves’: grief and identity with asylum seekers
As part of a recent project, our Community Action team collaborated with a group of asylum seekers on ‘Remembering Ourselves’…
A Frank assessment of St Christopher’s
From massages to marriage and medication, Frank finds all her needs met at St Christopher’s
Meet our volunteer trustee
Two years ago, Satvinder Reyatt was approached about becoming one of the hospice’s trustees. As Executive Director of People, Finance…
Brian’s salsa makes him feel ‘light on his feet’
After knocking back St Christopher’s support a couple of times following his cancer diagnosis, Brian is back dancing thanks to…
Walking in memory of Brenda
Dressed in donkey ears, Marina Jones and her husband Scott really embraced the spirit of the St Christopher’s Fun Walk…
“I was treated with the same care and compassion as a patient.”
As always, they bent over backwards to make our wish a reality.
Remembering Dame Cicely Saunders
On 14 July 2005, Dame Cicely Saunders died at St Christopher’s, the hospice that she founded. To mark twenty years…
Gwynneth still campaigning as she approaches her 100th birthday
“Enjoy life and take all it has to offer. It’s a wonderful world. I can’t walk, see or hear, but…
“Dying has taught me so much more about living than anything else.”
“Deep down we all know we are going to die. Cancer has forced me to acknowledge it. Since then I’ve…
Volunteering at St Christopher’s shop – “It makes me want to get up in the morning.”
In Gavin Richardson’s case, the hospice is quite literally helping him rebuild his memory – volunteering in its Addiscombe shop.
“Volunteer Voices is a great place for their voice to be heard.”
Volunteer Colin Goodwin explains the benefits of Volunteer Voices.
Volunteering That Starts with Simply Listening
“I love listening. That is my soul. Listening enables you to hear people.”
It is very rewarding volunteering for St Christopher’s
After suffering her own loss of a loved one Sue, who lives in Crystal Palace, realised that people often don’t…
‘Something special’ about caring for people at home
Clinical Team Lead Eva reflects on the moment she knew palliative care nursing was for her.
Emilia inspired to run the London Marathon in memory of her ‘Aunty’ Gerry
First-timer Emilia Deefholts is proof positive that being a novice is no barrier to smashing your marathon running and fundraising…
“There was only one charity I’d want to run it for”
Marathon man Michael motivated by memories of his best mate Tony
“When I got a place, I burst into tears”
Gemma’s emotional rollercoaster following in Uncle Chris’s marathon wheel tracks
Brotherly love spurs Collin to walk on and on
Collin Wimble and his brother Chris were so close that he felt like he was losing his mind when Chris…
First-time fundraiser smashes targets
Nicole finds sense of purpose and knack for fundraising as she walks in mother’s memory
Bill’s story
After years pounding the Peckham pavements as a postman, it’s probably no surprise that, when Bill Smith dedicated himself to…
Hospice cat proves to be the tonic for siblings
Andy and Anne-Marie found comfort from Tobie, our hospice cat, during a difficult time.
‘We know they’re always there’: how we support both Mark and Eppie
Eppie’s had pamper sessions and respite care since Mark, who has Parkinson’s, was referred.
St Luke’s step up rehab offer with support from St Christopher’s CARE
How a community of practice inspired two physios at a Plymouth hospice to start a wellbeing morning.
How Jo’s love of gardening is helping St Christopher’s grow
Celebrating Volunteers’ Week with one dedicated volunteer and her open garden
“Placing a ribbon on the memorial tree each year has become an important tradition for our family.”
Husband and daughter say hospice will forever hold a special place in their hearts after beautiful care mum and wife Sam received
“I don’t like that I have MND but I am happy with my life.”
“They make you feel like you are the only person there because they treat you as a person not a patient and let you know that you are important."
My awareness and response to End of Life
Pippa shares how CARE been helpful to her to write about her response to her Mum’s end of life
Perhaps the most telling sign of the family’s positive experience of St Christopher’s, is their desire to return regularly.
Perhaps the most telling sign of the family’s positive experience of St Christopher’s, is their desire to return regularly.
“Seeing my nan live to 92 made me want to make the most of my life. So, I started running.”
It was only the strong competitive streak inherited from his nan in whose memory he was running, and the knowledge so many people had sponsored him, that helped Beckenham born Jason Coyne complete a gruelling volcano run in The Azores for St Christopher’s.
Colin Russell’s legacy
"[Colin] wanted to make a difference, had a big heart and St Christopher’s became very important to him."
Celebrating Black History Month
Honouring Black medical pioneers in healthcare, hospice and palliative care
‘Remembering ourselves’: grief and identity with asylum seekers
We reflect on a collaboration with a group of asylum seekers exploring loss, memory, grief and identity through reflective art-making
Brian’s salsa makes him feel ‘light on his feet’
After knocking back St Christopher's support a couple of times following his cancer diagnosis, Brian is back dancing thanks to our rehab team.
“I was treated with the same care and compassion as a patient.”
"As always, they bent over backwards to make our wish a reality."
“Dying has taught me so much more about living than anything else.”
“Dying has taught me so much more about living than anything else."
“Volunteer Voices is a great place for their voice to be heard.”
Volunteer Colin Goodwin explains the benefits of Volunteer Voices.
Volunteering That Starts with Simply Listening
“I love listening. That is my soul. Listening enables you to hear people.”
It is very rewarding volunteering for St Christopher’s
After suffering her own loss of a loved one Sue realised that people often don’t know what to say when you’re going through bereavement.
‘Something special’ about caring for people at home
Team lead Eva reflects on the moment she knew palliative care nursing was for her.
Emilia inspired to run the London Marathon in memory of her ‘Aunty’ Gerry
First-timer Emilia Deefholts is proof positive that being a novice is no barrier to smashing your marathon running and fundraising targets.
“There was only one charity I’d want to run it for”
Marathon man Michael motivated by memories of his best mate Tony
“When I got a place, I burst into tears”
Gemma’s emotional rollercoaster following in Uncle Chris’s marathon wheel tracks
Brotherly love spurs Collin to walk on and on
Five years after his brother’ death, Collin prepares for fifth Fun Walk – the ‘best charity walk’
First-time fundraiser smashes targets
Nicole finds sense of purpose and knack for fundraising as she walks in mother’s memory
Bill’s story
Retired postman Bill delivers serious boost to St Christopher’s coffers by walking in memory of his mother and wife
Hospice cat proves to be the tonic for siblings
Andy and Anne-Marie found comfort from Tobie, our hospice cat, during a difficult time.
‘We know they’re always there’: how we support both Mark and Eppie
Eppie's had pamper sessions and respite care since Mark, who has Parkinson's, was referred.
St Luke’s step up rehab offer with support from St Christopher’s CARE
How a community of practice inspired two physios at a Plymouth hospice to start a wellbeing morning.
‘A ton of treasure’ – why Rhianna loves our shops
The 24-year-old shares her favourite finds and how we've helped her to shop sustainably.
Making masks and making friends
Sam, from our ‘Create and Chat’ group, reflects on her recent collaboration with students from The BRIT School.
‘Footy, curry & beers’: my friend’s funeral taught me there are no rules
Our Director of Income Generation and Communications reflects on a recent funeral he attended.
Remembering event unites Blenman family in familiar way
Wendy shares her experience of remembering with St Christopher's
What is it like to be a palliative care social worker?
Social worker Beth Kwesiga discusses her varied, challenging and hugely rewarding role as a palliative care social worker.
Dedicated daughter riding to raise funds in dad’s memory
Jodie Cowden tells us why she has her heart set on raising £100,000 for St Christopher's by the end of 2025
Art therapy helps Emily express herself and face the future
Living with life threatening illness and uncertainty, art has given Emily an outlet.
Watch Constance and Dennis dance again
When Dennis joked he'd pay £1M to dance with his wife, rehab assistant Rali took that as a challenge.
Behind the mask
New photography exhibition reveals hidden creativity and meaning
Rose’s story
Retired analytical chemist turns beads into pot of gold for St Christopher’s
It’s a strange feeling to know you’re dying
Lesley tells us about how she's determined to spend her time living, and that includes visits to St Christopher's.
How our support for Linda led to Nick leaving a gift in his Will
Nick Diamond explains why he is helping to secure our future with a gift in his Will.
Nurse Chris on why you should join him on a ride of a lifetime
St Christopher’s Clinical Team Lead Chris Mangar takes on the challenge of riding Palace to Palace
Celebrating our fundraising heroes
How our amazing supporters help us "eat an elephant" every year
Biker hospice staff make patient’s year with rip-roaring show
Michael Renè got an early Christmas present from hospice staff.
Coming to hospice ‘best decision’ says mum of bereaved daughters
The girls were very close to their grandfather who died in 2024.
Tim and Valerie feel benefit of our learning disabilities nurse
Valerie, 82, has cared for Tim, 47, who has learning disabilities, all his life.
How Candle is helping seven-year-old Jaheem after his sister’s death
Sam proudly describes how Jaheem is often the one to mention his little sister.
Looking back: London to Amsterdam 2019
Hannah Sharp shares her memories of cycling for St Christopher's with her dad, Stewart
Meet Lesley our volunteer gardener
“I hate gardening but I love volunteering in the St Christopher’s garden.”
Myra’s story
Beckenham gardener got the feel good factor when she opened her pride and joy to the public
Volunteers give clothes a new lease of life
We're saving vintage items from landfill thanks to two volunteers at the St Christopher’s Crystal Palace shop.
Bernie’s story
Ward administrator Bernie finds huge job satisfaction playing her part in helping support patients and families
‘Dream come true’ for Danni as she swims in ‘treasured place’
A team effort from across the hospice meant patient Danni and her husband were able to take a swim in one of their favourite spots
A day in the life of the hospice transport drivers
"The best part is helping people, it makes you feel like what you’re doing is right"
Meet our bereavement support volunteers
What’s it like being Bereavement Support Volunteer for St Christopher’s?
Our young changemakers explore care in all its forms
We reflect on this year's summer school for young people interested in social change.
Volunteer fashion experts take our eBay income to the next level
With £6,000 raised so far, what else can our volunteer fashion experts achieve?
My fantasy funeral would be a rum punch pub crawl
Forget the traditional coffin and hearse; Simone has no time for those formalities.
Smiles and massages change one couple’s view of hospices
Dennis and Constance share their story of accessing hospice care.
Sydenham garden volunteers
Former head teacher Di and her team pass gardening test with flying colours
Sarah’s story
Magnificent mix of magic, gardening and bubbles helps Beckenham woman raise over £50,000 for St Christopher’s in thanks for the ‘utmost love’ shown to her best friend.
Laura’s story
Service with a smile is heartfelt for café supervisor Laura
Kenneth’s story
We found out about the amazing life of 98-year-old Kenneth after presenting him with a special bow tie to add to his collection
Becca’s Circle Line story
Becca’s run to raise funds for the hospice in memory of her grandfather will stop at all stations via King’s Cross and Liverpool Street
