I'm Proud My Uncle Left a Legacy to Saint Francis Hospice

Susan is sharing her uncle Michael’s story as part of the national Hospice UK Legacy campaign ‘This is Hospice Care, to raise awareness of how vital Gifts in Wills are in funding the compassionate hospice care that so many people and their loved ones depend on. Through her memories, she tells us why leaving a legacy to Saint Francis Hospice meant so much to Michael, and how gifts like his continue to make a lasting difference. 

When I think about my Uncle Michael and my Auntie Mary, I always remember how devoted they were to each other. He was my dad’s older brother, the second of four boys, and he met my auntie later in life. They both loved music and ended up singing in a choir together. My uncle painted, and my auntie would sit with him while he worked. They didn’t have children, but they shared a happy life together, and I have very fond memories of them. 

When Auntie Mary was admitted to Saint Francis Hospice in 2012, I remember how peaceful it felt. Her room looked out onto the garden, which was lovely because she loved nature and the countryside. My uncle was so happy she was here and being well looked after. It was a huge relief for him to know she was receiving expert care, and that reassurance meant a great deal to him. 

My uncle was always very appreciative of the care Mary received. He told me he would have liked to make a donation at the time, but he wasn’t able to. And because they didn’t have children, he began thinking about how he could make a lasting difference. He spoke to me about leaving money in his Will to the Hospice, and I thought it was a great idea. He wanted other people to benefit in the same way Mary had, and the way he had too, because hospice care doesn’t just support the person, it supports the wider family and carers. We felt that firsthand. 

When I later learned how much hospice care depends on legacies (1 in 5 people are cared for thanks to legacies), my uncle’s decision felt even more meaningful. He would be really pleased to know his money is helping the Hospice and supporting so many people. He knew how valuable hospice care is, and the money he worked so hard for throughout his life is now working hard to help others receive that same compassionate care. 

I’m really proud my Uncle Michael left a legacy to Saint Francis Hospice. His gift doesn’t just honour Mary, it continues their love story by helping others now, and it will keep doing so for years to come.