Sponsor a Nurse

“I’m Angie and I’m a specialist Nurse at St Margaret’s Hospice, working across the West Somerset area. I travel across this large rural area, visiting patients at home or seeing them as outpatients. My role is not just about caring for patients at the end of their life. It is about managing their symptoms and supporting both them and their family, holistically.

“I’ve always wanted to work in a hospice. I remember watching a programme about Helen House Children’s Hospice when I was 14, and from that moment I knew this was the path I wanted to follow. I’ve worked in palliative care for many years, including time in outpatients and on the In-Patient Unit.

“The most rewarding part of my role is seeing the difference a visit can make to patient and families. Seeing how patients and families feel so much more relaxed at the end of a visit, building a relationship and gaining their trust. It is such a privilege to be able to support in times of need with the knowledge that I have built from my years of experience.”

Be the reason someone who is dying can feel more relaxed when they see Angie at the door. Sponsor a nurse today.

“Hi, my name is Caroline and I’m a Clinical Nurse Specialist on the Advice Line at St Margaret’s. I give advice to patients, carers, GPs and other healthcare professions, and I triage referrals and allocate them to the right services.

“I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was young, and my interest in palliative and end-of-life care began when I supported a patient who was dying while I was working in A&E. That experience showed me the difference it can make to be there for someone at that part of their life.

“The best part of working at St Margaret’s is the people – the kindness and warmth makes it a truly special place to work.”

Be the reason someone in crisis can hear Caroline’s voice at the end of the phone. Sponsor a nurse today.

“Hi, my name is Wendy and I’m the Lead Community Nurse for the East of the county. I’ve always known I wanted to work in the care sector. During my nurse training, a community placement with the district nurses inspired me to specialise into palliative and end-of-life care.

“I’ve now been with St Margaret’s for around 14 years, working both on the In-Patient Unit and in the community. I’m passionate about supporting people with a life-limiting illness and their families, helping them feel cared for and understood throughout their journey.

“One of the nicest things a patient has said to me is that they never felt rushed when I spent time with them. It was special to make those moments of calm and connection.”

Be the reason someone with a terminal illness can finally have a moment where they don’t feel rushed. Sponsor a nurse today.

“Hi, my name is Ruth and I’m an Occupational Therapist working in the Sunflower Centre at St Margaret’s. I’m part of the team running our new neurological support group.

“I’ve always enjoyed working in palliative and end-of-life care – both personal and professional experiences have shown me how important this work is. What I love most about St Margaret’s in particular is the people. Everyone here is so caring, compassionate, and friendly. It’s the first place I have worked where everyone genuinely wants to be here.

“I also love meeting our patients. Each is facing their own challenges, yet they still bring so much positivity. One of the most touching things a patient has said to me is: ‘To be heard and seen is joyous.’ It means a great deal to me to know that I can play a part in making such a difference in people’s lives.”

Be the reason someone with a progressive neurological illness can be heard and seen. Sponsor a nurse today.

“Hi, my name is Claire, I’m a Junior Sister on the In-Patient Unit (IPU) in Taunton. I am responsible for the day to day running of the ward, supporting the IPU team, coordinating patient admissions and discharges, and working alongside Clinical Governance to maintain high standards of patient care. I also work a shift on the ward every week, which I love – closely caring for the patients and their loved ones.

“I have nursing background in acute, high dependency care, where I supported patients and their loved ones once medical treatments were no longer helping the patient get better. Working closely on a respiratory ward during the Covid pandemic strengthened my desire to provide holistic, high-quality care for those with a life-limiting illness.”

Be the reason Claire can be there at the end of someone’s life. Sponsor a nurse today.

“Hi, my name is Ralph and I’m a Community Nurse at St Margaret’s. I’ve wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember, and over the years my interest in palliative and end-of-life care has only grown. My first nursing manager was a Marie Curie nurse by background, and she instilled in me the values of treating people with dignity and respect at every stage of life, and of truly listening to and respecting their wishes.

“What I enjoy the most about working at St Margaret’s is the variety. We care for people with all kinds of life-limiting illnesses – not just cancer – and every day brings the opportunity to learn something new. I also love the way my team works together to make sure that all our patients, no matter where they live, receives expert care and attention.

“One of the nicest moments in my role is when a patient is genuinely happy to see me, even when they know I’m probably going to be talking about death and dying. It’s a reminder that building trust and human connection matters just as much as the medical care we provide.”

Be the reason someone who is dying can smile when they see Ralph at the door. Sponsor a nurse today.