Kathy & Steve’s Hospice Story

“St Elizabeth Hospice lifts you up when you’re exhausted, supporting your family every step of the way. It’s a precious service we should never take for granted – one that holds your hand and offers reassuring guidance, during times of great uncertainty,” said Kathy Piotrowski, whose husband, Steve received support from the St Elizabeth Hospice and East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH) healthcare partnership, until his death aged 72-years-old in July 2024..

Since launching in April 2019, more than 5,950 patients and their families in Great Yarmouth and Waveney have been supported by the free specialist palliative care provided by the joint partnership of St Elizabeth Hospice and ECCH.

Typically living with conditions such as cancer, heart failure, chronic lung diseases – such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – and neurological disorders, these patients have received free care through the partnership’s varied, specialist palliative care provision available at Beccles Hospital, in the community and through the service’s 24-hour advice line, OneCall.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have 24/7 support from St Elizabeth Hospice in our local area,” explained Kathy, who is from Bungay.

“They support you through every part of the journey. The hospice team understands that how someone dies truly matters, guiding you while helping you create precious memories with your loved one.

“Steve and I were together for over 25 years. We met at work in 1999 and married in October 2007. We were a team in every way, and I miss that with all my heart.

“He was well-known in the local community, especially among wildlife enthusiasts. Wildlife was his passion, and after retiring, he even published books on Suffolk’s birds and butterflies.

“I’m so proud of his achievements – he was always busy leading nature walks, writing, and contributing to projects that have left a lasting legacy.

“For example, he played a key role in creating the ‘Access for All’ boardwalk path at Minsmere Nature Reserve. In his final months, when he could no longer walk far, he enjoyed whizzing around Minsmere on a RSPB scooter, benefiting from the very path he helped build.

“Steve’s health journey was challenging. In 2007, he was diagnosed with a rare but benign lung tumour and received care at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

“After his treatment, Steve enjoyed many healthy years, travelling the world and expanding his bird list with friends.

“However, in 2021, it was discovered that cancer had returned, this time to Steve’s left lung. Despite being seriously ill, he bravely underwent treatment alone at the Royal Brompton Hospital during COVID.

“After a period of treatment, over a number of years, it was confirmed in November 2023 that Steve’s condition was incurable, and chemotherapy would only extend his life by a short time.

“Around this time, we came under the care of St Elizabeth Hospice. From day one, Steve was clear he wanted to be supported at home and to die at home, and the hospice team helped us achieve this wish.

“Their communication was excellent, and knowing we had the 24/7 support of the OneCall team was so reassuring. They liaised with other healthcare providers and took control of the situation, lifting the pressure off us.

“We couldn’t fault them. Whatever we needed, they made sure we had – from a hospital bed to oxygen, every request was met.

“The hospice team is like glue, holding you together and giving you strength. As Steve’s condition deteriorated, they instinctively knew what he and our family needed – sometimes, just a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, which made all the difference.

“Until you need hospice care, you don’t realise the extent of the support they provide. Their kindness and compassion guide you through this painful journey.

“They create such a warm, supportive environment, caring for both medical and emotional needs – it’s incredible. Seeing it firsthand, I have no doubt it takes a special person to be a hospice nurse. They are like guardian angels, wrapping their arms around your whole family.

“All you can do during this time is love your loved one and be there for them – and the hospice team helps you do this.

“How someone dies becomes part of how their loved ones cope and grieve, which is why it meant so much to us to fulfill Steve’s wish of staying at home. I can never thank the hospice enough for making that possible. Knowing we enabled him to remain at home gives me peace – I couldn’t have done it alone.

“I am so grateful we kept Steve at home and that we were holding hands as he took his final breath. Even after Steve’s death, the hospice has continued to check in on me, offering support and bereavement care should I need it.

“It was this fantastic support that inspired me to fundraise for the charity. With the help of Steve’s friends at Viking Optical, we raised £1,500 for the hospice in his memory, and we will continue finding ways to give back for many years to come.

“St Elizabeth Hospice is an incredible service, supporting people through life’s most difficult times. I just hope more people learn about their work and benefit from their compassionate care.”

For more information about the partnership’s services in Great Yarmouth and Waveney visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/how-we-can-help/hospice-care/great-yarmouth_and-waveney