Woman to help on Christmas Day at hospice where husband died

Pete Spreckley, 71, died of blood cancer in 2022

A woman who lost her husband to cancer is returning to the hospice where he died to volunteer on Christmas Day.

June Spreckley's husband Pete spent his final days being cared for by staff at Ashgate Hospice in Derbyshire.

He died in February 2022 after being diagnosed with incurable blood cancer.

"I get a sense of deep satisfaction by volunteering, knowing that hopefully I am able to help in any way to emulate the wonderful care my husband had," she said.

Before his death, Mr Spreckley was admitted to the hospice twice - initially for symptom and pain management support and then for end-of-life care in his final days.

Mrs Spreckley, 70, said the hospice staff and volunteers were "remarkable", and so she talked to Mr Spreckley before he died about giving back to the organisation.

June Spreckley is volunteering on Christmas Day at Ashgate Hospice, where her husband was cared for in his final days

She added she would "forever be grateful for Ashgate" after her husband received dedicated care at the end of his life.

"The care was invaluable to both Pete and myself," she said.

"The patience, kindness and dedication to making Pete comfortable cannot be praised highly enough.

"The difference this made to me, knowing my husband was able to leave this Earth free of pain cannot ever be underestimated."

She will be joined on Christmas Day by Lynne North, 66, who has recently retired from the ambulance service.

Lynne North (left), from Chesterfield, said it would be her first time volunteering at the hospice on Christmas Day

As ward volunteers, the pair have several duties, from taking meal orders and serving food and drinks to offering support and empathy to patients.

Similarly to Mrs Spreckley, it will Ms North's first Christmas volunteering at the hospice, and she said she was looking forward to bringing some festive cheer to patients and their families.

"I think it will just be like a normal day - filled with lots of sparkle," she said.

"I usually see my children and grandchildren on Christmas morning but they are getting older now, so I have explained to them how important it is that I volunteer instead this year.

"They completely understand and wish the best for me. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone for a late lunch and then spending the rest of the day with them."