Blogs

Working in a hospice is in equal parts uplifting and draining. I get to work with the most amazing people and then sometimes, sadly, have to say goodbye to them too.

The communications office is directly above the 12 bed ward so on a day-to-day level I could be separated from the heart of our work here at Hospiscare. To make sure I stay connected with what we are really about, people, I often wander downstairs and chat with folk who are around.

Occasionally I interview patients or their loved ones and it can be difficult to hear their stories, but more often than not it is...

Gemma marched into the hospice reception yesterday.

It was a definite march, not an amble or a saunter, a march like soldier with the air of “let’s crack on and get things done.” Having last seen her in March I was expecting a warm greeting and a good long catch up – no chance.

This was a woman on a mission.

Gemma is our miracle Hospiscare patient who is much loved by staff and volunteers. Despite being diagnosed with a brain tumour six years ago Gemma is still with us, but as a volunteer fundraiser rather than a patient. The chemotherapy worked!

During her...

If you’re not a football fan, that doesn’t matter. Keep reading.

Exeter City faced Crawley Town on Saturday in a tense game that Exeter looked to be winning 2 – 1 until the final minutes of play when Crawley managed to squeeze in an extra goal, leaving players and fans devastated at the 2 – 2 draw. Theoretically, Exeter should have won. However, from the perspective of the live crowd it was clear that Crawley deserved their equaliser; it was a miracle they hadn’t scored their second goal earlier.

Football fan or not, a trip to St James’ Park is essential for any student...

It is estimated that over 250 million people make pilgrimage every year across the world. Whether from Buddhist, Christian, Islamic, Jewish or other traditions (or none), women, men and children set out to journey towards a special place, with the most popular destinations including Mecca, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela, Bodh Gaya, Amritsar and the Ganges and Jordan rivers.

Pilgrims use the travelling (traditionally made on foot or by animal) as a time of reviewing themselves and their beliefs, to reconnect with the natural rhythms of life, to meet others and to refresh their...