Bert's wife, Meg, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2003. The Clinical Nurse Specialist visited her regularly, building up a good relationship with St Wilfrid's. Meg came into the Hospice for respite care for two weeks in 2004 and again in June 2005, before being admitted in December of that year where she stayed for six weeks until her death on 22 January 2006.  Both Meg and Bert got to know the staff very well in that time, as did Jack, their boxer dog, who was allowed to visit and brighten Meg's days. Meg's smile captivated everyone, including Doctor Colin who often remarked as he came into the room – ‘You've got that smile again!' Bert remembers Gloria, the Housekeeping Manger, as being especially fond of Meg, and Brenda, the chaplain, who blessed their golden wedding on Christmas Eve 2005. Meg was delighted when, knowing how much she loved and missed her garden at home, the nurses moved her to a particular room that overlooked the Hospice garden. Bert describes Meg as an empathetic person, always ready to help others. Bert was a policeman for 28 years in York and describes Meg as ‘being in the police force as well' such was her loyalty and support. It was there for him too when he managed two care homes followed by ten years care home management in Midhurst. They spent five years in Spain before moving to Bracklesham Bay in 1997, where they both busied themselves in the local community. Bert is very proud of his family. With his friend Dan Goddard, son Bill raised over £60,000 for four hospices with a 998 mile coast to coast cycle ride from Chichester to John O'Groats (fund-raising manager Sophie received a £15,400 cheque for St Wilfrid's) and granddaughter Samantha Wilson ran three half marathons whilst at Reading University raising £1000. Bert and Jack the boxer miss Meg very much. Jack looked for Meg for six months after her death, and still pricks up his ears if he sees a lady on her own out walking. Bert is a volunteer driver now in the community, helping others as Meg always did. He thanks St Wilfrid's Hospice for looking after her so well.

"I had harboured a terrible fear all my life of facing the actual passing of a loved one. In the past months knowing this was inevitable as Glyn was now terminally ill, I received so many offers of help, a hand to hold or just to talk, but my helping hand came in the form of St Wilfrid's who gave me all the strength I needed to carry out my promise to Glyn to be with him all the way.  Every single person was kind and understanding. I was just patiently and gently guided along through my tears and laughs, yes, I did laugh too, to what was the most serene and peaceful end.  Words cannot express the comfort and gratitude for all the wonderful care given to Glyn and me. He was able to put his thumb up and say “Tops” which said it all when he was so very poorly. I know this will help me to face the future.  Glyn has been a lovely man all his life and deserved the best which he certainly had. You are a true team and ‘pulled me out of a hole'."  With so many, many thanks  Glyn and Mags Jones