Man reveals hospice will donation as St Elizabeth Hospice, in Ipswich, and St Nicholas Hospice Care, in Bury St Edmunds, join national campaign

A man is set to donate a portion of his will to the hospice that looked after his wife in her final days.

Hazel Lainchbury died from cancer in May 2020 aged 70, after spending time in the care of St Elizabeth Hospice.

The charity spends about £12 million on its services per year and estimates that one in five patients are supported by money from wills.

Both Ipswich-based St Elizabeth Hospice and Bury St Edmunds-based St Nicholas Hospice Care have joined a national campaign to highlight how important gifts from wills were to keep them going.

They hope the scheme, started by Hospice UK and involving 143 charities, will encourage people to consider leaving them a gift in their wills.

As part of this campaign, Hazel’s husband, Maurice, has shared his story in the hopes it would encourage people give back.

Mr Lainchbury said: “You want the last memories and precious remaining time you have with a loved one to bring comfort.

“Thanks to St Elizabeth Hospice and the amazing care they provided us, I am able to do this and look back at these moments with peace.”

Mr Lainchbury said leaving a donation in his will was an easy decision.

Having travelled a lot during his life – sometimes with Hazel – he had his will prepared for some and believed if offered peace of mind.

“Hazel came to St Elizabeth Hospice’s care after a short period of ill health, caused by weakness in her lungs which was eventually found to be cancer,” he said.

“As her condition deteriorated, a friend made us aware of St Elizabeth Hospice’s services. I was, and remain, extremely proud of Hazel’s bravery in facing what happened to her, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic which meant visiting her in hospital was very difficult.

“It was such an anxious time for us, and I’ll never forget the moment I received the call confirming she would be coming to the hospice, knowing the huge difference their compassionate care would make for both of us during Hazel’s final days.

“Hazel stayed in the hospice’s Inpatient Unit for about a week, and the most important thing was that I was able to visit her there.”

Mr Lainchbury praised the staff going above and beyond for him and his wife, which included providing meals and an additional bed so he could be with her as much as possible, despite her being in a single room.

He described their ‘thoughtful, human touch’ as priceless.

Mr Lainchbury added: “I will be forever grateful to the hospice staff for making this possible, and I know it meant the world to Hazel too.

“Hazel and I were married for over 50 years and we shared a wonderful life together. I just never imagined her time would be cut short at only 70-years-old.

“Life, however, brings many challenges, and one has to face them. My overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude. Gratitude for the wonderful life Hazel and I shared, and for the love we had for one another.

“I would encourage everyone to consider giving back to these incredible charities to support their vital services and say ‘thank you’ for all they do.

“To me, St Elizabeth Hospice is a place filled with compassion and warmth. I’m proud to share my story and memories of their care, and I hope it inspires others to consider leaving a gift in their will to support this remarkable charity.”

St Nicholas Hospice Care spends about £8 million per year on its services in West Suffolk and Thetford.

Nick Duncan, the hospice’s Gifts in Wills Manager, said donors leaving some for their Wills was one of the most powerful ways to ensure the hospice can care for future generations.

Even a small percentage of an estate could make a lasting impact, he said

Mr Duncan added: “Every legacy gift, large or small, helps safeguard hospice services, ensuring no one has to face dying, death, or grief alone.

“With one in five hospices at risk of reducing services due to rising costs and funding shortfalls, community support is more crucial than ever.”

Lynn Maskell, legacy officer at St Elizabeth Hospice, said donations in Wills played a vital role in helping the charity continue its work.

She added: “We hope this national campaign by Hospice UK will inspire more people to consider leaving a gift in their Will to their local hospice, ensuring that vital care can continue today, tomorrow, and for years to come.”