Hospice’s first-ever nurse sister pays a visit

Audrey Valentine, 87, was a senior nurse sister when the Hospice opened its doors almost 40 years ago, in 1989.

She joined so early that she helped with cleaning and building furniture before patients could come onsite.

Audrey worked at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice for nine years and has continued to support us by volunteering at events and in our Lees shop.

In December, she visited our state-of-the-art facilities, which include a 12-bed Inpatient Unit and a dedicated Wellbeing Centre.

Audrey said: “I’ve been amazed to see how much Dr Kershaw’s has changed over the years. We started out with very few staff. Alongside my nursing duties, I was cooking meals and baking cakes! Now they even care for people at home, which is fantastic.”

Audrey credits the nurses, healthcare assistants and doctors at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice for providing high-quality, empathetic care.

She added: “As a nurse myself, I think I appreciate even more how brilliant the Hospice Team is. There is such a nice feeling as soon as you walk through the door. Dr Kershaw’s is a very special place, where people can die with dignity. My late husband also worked in the gardens when I first joined, so it holds happy memories for me. I’ve made a lot of good friends, and I hope to support the Hospice until the end of my days.”