The Lister Family's Story: Siblings plan wedding for devoted mum in less than 24 hours

Debbie was admitted to Hospice in the Weald, Five Ashes for three days of end of life care. She and her long term partner, Jason, had been talking about getting married for some time, but when she arrived at the Hospice her family knew that now was the moment to make it happen.

In this story, Debbie’s children, Elliot and Chloe, share their experience at Hospice in the Weald, Five Ashes. They reflect on the care their mum received, the support they were given, and how the team helped make one of Debbie’s final wishes come true.

“Our mum, Debs, loved being a mum. She said it was her favourite thing in the world.
She was like a ray of sunshine. When I think of my mum, I catch myself smiling because she was just so lovely, funny, and always laughing and smiling, that’s what I remember every time I think of her.” Chloe reflected.

“My mum was an energetic, caring, kind woman who loved everyone and everything. She filled up the room with love and put a smile on everyone’s face. She was a wonderful, special person.
She gave us a very nurturing childhood filled with good food, good memories and happiness.” Elliot said.

“She was really taking it in, because there were a lot of people that she didn’t know were going to be there. She had no idea what the wedding was going to be like. We had been planning for it to happen a few weeks later. We knew what she wanted, but suddenly we had to make it happen in less than a day.
It felt very intimate and emotional. It suddenly felt really silent, even though there was music playing, it felt like everything was so still and focused on my mum.” Chloe recalled.

“And, we had Bosco, or as we call him, Baby B. That’s Chloe’s dog. He ran down the aisle with the rings on his back.”
“Mum was very happy that he was part of the ceremony.”

Reflecting on their time at the Hospice, Elliot said, “I had no idea what it was like in a hospice. I had never been to one. I had a vision in my head of maybe somewhere nice, but I didn’t know whether it might be quite similar to a hospital. It was not like that at all.

“You know when you meet someone, and they lift you up. She was an expert at doing that to anyone.
She was able to go out in such a way because the Hospice were able to provide care and support and enable her loving family and friends to be around her, in a beautiful setting. She was able to go peacefully. Which probably wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the Hospice.
So, we are forever grateful for that. And we are going to do our best to continue to show our support.”

Chloe wanted to share her thanks too.
“I want to say thank you to the entire team at Hospice in the Weald. Me, my mum and my family met the friendliest, kindest people. I actually think they’re like angels. Thank you to everyone for helping save my mum in her final moments and giving us that time with her.”

And finally, Elliot said, “Without Hospice in the Weald, I would not have had the final moments with my mum. You cannot buy that. You cannot buy that time, you cannot buy those memories.”