The New Year has also caused me to reflect on my time at Saint Francis Hospice and how I came to join this outstanding organisation.

Kelly is a civil servant and her partner Serene works as a Sky engineer. They live in Romford and are running the London Marathon together on Sunday, April 28. 

Here Kelly shares their inspirational story about why they’ve taken up the iconic 26.2 mile challenge…….. 

I first got interested in Occupational Therapy when, as a school student, I did voluntary work at a paediatric ward in Newcastle.  I felt drawn to health care and liked the idea of enabling people to reach their potential despite ill health or disability.

Daniel Morgan was very close to his nan Sheila Crowley, who was cared for by our Hospice at Home team before she died in March 2016.  

Read Daniel’s story to find out how Stella helped Daniel come to terms with losing his beloved nan.  

Grace Burgin started receiving counselling with our Child and Family Therapist Stella Christou in 2015 following the death of her granddad Maurice Davey, who was cared for at the hospice. 

This traumatic event compounded the grief Grace was suffering from previously losing her great nan Winnie Manger.  

Read Grace’s story to find out how Stella has helped her to cope with her fears and move on with her life.     

This special group gives people the opportunity to write poetry, prose, life stories and much more.