Last Christmas, while many families were gathered around the tree, Donna Hammond was
holding the hand of her husband Geoff for the very last time. Geoff died peacefully at home
on Boxing Day, with Donna and their daughter by his side.
For Donna, being able to fulfil Geoff’s wish to stay at home was only possible because of the Hospice at Home team from Tapping House. “I’d never even heard of Tapping House until Geoff’s doctor suggested them,” Donna explains. “When he became very poorly with cancer, Geoff was clear – he didn’t want to be in hospital. He wanted to stay at home for as long as I could cope. Without the hospice team, I could never have managed it.”
From the moment the team first arrived, Donna says she felt an overwhelming sense of relief. Nurses explained everything with such kindness and care – not only attending to Geoff’s needs but also making sure Donna was supported too.
“They didn’t just care for Geoff, they looked after me. After getting him sorted for the day, they’d sit with me, have a coffee, and ask how I was coping. They became like friends. On the really difficult days, they were there with a hug, a kind word, and the reassurance I wasn’t alone. They were just so caring. I could never have done it on my own without them.”
The care extended to Donna and Geoff’s daughter as well. If she was upset, the nurses gently took her aside to talk things through, always honest about what to expect, but never without compassion. Small acts of tenderness made the biggest difference. When Geoff connected with Gary, one of the nurses, it lifted his spirits to have another man by his side, helping him up and into the shower. When the nights grew long and frightening, Donna was reminded she could call the night team anytime. “At first, I struggled and didn’t want to bother them. But when I finally rang, they said, ‘That’s what we’re here for.’ And they came. The relief was enormous.”
Even on Boxing Day, when Geoff took his final breath, the hospice team was there. Donna recalls the dignity and gentleness with which they cared for him. “They washed him, dressed him in the clothes I chose, and made everything so special. We celebrate birth so much in life, but no one talks about death. The hospice helped me see there’s nothing to be frightened about – that it can be gentle, and loving, and dignified.”
Though the daily visits stopped after Geoff died, the hospice continued to support Donna. Through bereavement support, she’s found the ongoing care from Tapping House is helping her through her grief.
Looking back, Donna says simply: “Without Tapping House, I could never have coped. They are extraordinary people. I tell everyone now – support them, in any way you can. Because you never know when you or someone you love will need them.” Donna goes on to say, “Come and visit the Hospice, see how friendly and caring people are here. For the Hospice at Home service, when Anna came out, I felt at ease straight away. Talk to them, tell them your worries – they explain everything step by step. There’s nothing to be worried about.”
This Christmas, as we gather with our loved ones, please consider making a gift to support our Hospice at Home service. Your donation will mean families like Donna and Geoff’s can spend their most precious moments together, at home, surrounded by love and dignity.
