Family members have helped launch a new campaign for St John's Hospice by sharing cherished memories of their loved ones in a touching video.
Miles Manley, Rob and Jenny Mayor, Jean Lawrence and Tracey Care have appeared in the video to launch the hospice's 'I'll Always Remember' campaign.
It encourages supporters to leave a gift in their Will, ensuring that the hospice can continue providing compassionate care now and for future generations.
Through their touching recollections, the campaign highlights how St John’s Hospice helps families create meaningful moments even in the most challenging times.
You can watch the video HERE.
Miles Manley spoke about his dad John, who died in 2024 aged 57.
"My dad was my best friend, we did an awful lot together, and then he got ill, then things started to change," said Miles.
"What people don't see until they need it, is the amount of outstanding work the hospice does.
"I'll always remember, knowing my dad was a football fan, the hospice made a few phone calls, pulled in a few favours and got a couple of the Morecambe players to come round to visit him.
"We also managed to get my son there, who my dad absolutely adored.
"To meet the football players and to have a chat with them, and to see how happy it made his grandson, was fantastic."
Pictured below, Morecambe FC players Stuart Moore and Farrend Rawson with Miles, John and John's grandson Fraser, during the visit in 2023.
Jenny and Rob Mayor spoke about their dad, John, who died in 2023 aged 76.
"It got to the point where it was a real struggle for us to look after him and care for him at home," said Jenny.
"Literally, the minute he went into the hospice, he was just calm."
Rob said: "I'll always remember how the hospice took over that care role, so my mum could actually be by his side."
Tracey Care spoke in memory of her husband Stuart, who died in 2023 aged 62.
"Stuart said to me, I love it (at the hospice)," said Tracey, pictured below.
"I think because of the environment. It was so peaceful.
"I'll always remember, there was a nurse in at the time, and she said 'bring your dog, he's allowed to come'.
"Stuart was just so happy that his dog could be there, and part of his dying journey."
Jean Lawrence spoke about her husband Peter, who died in 2021, aged 82.
"It's hard to believe just how good and how caring people can be, and the hospice can be," said Jean.
"I'll always remember, when we needed the hospice, it cocooned us with its care, compassion and support."
Peter Lawrence is pictured below.
Catherine Butterworth, director of income generation at St John's Hospice said: "The I'll always remember... campaign is an important step for St John's Hospice.
"St John's is a local charity that has cared for patients and families for the past 39 years.
"Currently, one in five patients are cared for thanks to gifts in Wills, which is why we are embarking on this campaign so we can continue to care for those in a community who face a life shortening illness.
"We hope that this campaign encourages people to think about leaving a gift in their Will to St John's: a gift, however small or large makes a huge difference to our vital care."
Liz Edmondson, head of supporter engagement, St John's Hospice, said: “Working with the families of patients to create this campaign has been such a privilege. The stories they told and the memories they shared will always be special to them, their loved ones and St John's. St John's creates positive memories during very difficult times and these memories are celebrated in this campaign."
Legacy gifts, no matter their size, play a crucial role in sustaining the hospice’s services, from specialist palliative care to emotional and practical support for families.
These gifts help St John’s Hospice continue its mission of providing high-quality, person-centered care for those facing life-shortening illnesses.
The campaign was developed with the support of local North West research agency FlexMR and Lancaster film production agency McGill Productions.
Supporters can learn more about the I’ll Always Remember… campaign and how to leave a gift in their Will by visiting HERE or contacting Liz Edmondson at the following address: liz.edmondson@sjhospice.org.uk.
St John’s Hospice is a local charity which provides free palliative care to patients with life shortening conditions. Their services cover a population area of 250,000 people in north Lancashire, south Lakes and parts of north Yorkshire. They have been caring for the community every minute of over day since they opened in 1986.
The NHS provides around 25 per cent of the hospice's funding. For the remaining 75 per cent, St John's relies on the generosity and kindness of its community to continue delivering its vital services.
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