Jude and Daryl Owens

Buying a Flower of Celebration

“The Flower of Celebration represents the kindness and compassion we were all blessed with during Daryl’s final weeks. Seeing his flower in the beautiful hospice gardens last year served as an eternal comfort that he is forever with us, but now at peace.

I keep the flower next to a photo of Daryl with some of his favourite books 😊”

Daryl’s journey

“Daryl had an incurable brain tumour and following the devastating news that his treatment had stopped working, we were referred to St Joseph’s by his oncologist as part of the palliative care plan. Even before going into the Hospice, St Joseph’s was a great help to us. They visited Daryl at home, were always there at the end of the phone if I needed to ask any questions and also provided me with counselling and alternative therapies such as massages.

Although the plan was for Daryl to remain at home for his final days, one month before his death he started to experience extreme discomfort and pain. On calling the hospice for advice, it was suggested that they could visit him or instead arrange for him to be brought to the hospice, which we agreed was the best move so he could have instant access to pain relief and expert care.

From the moment we arrived at the hospice, the staff treated Daryl with dignity and respect and made him as comfortable as possible during his final days. As well as caring for Daryl, they looked after our whole family and provided us with kind words, hugs, amazing advice and at times some much needed laughs. We felt as though the hospice had become our home. The palliative care doctors kept us informed every step of the way of how his condition would progress and when Daryl’s last day came, we were in a peaceful, serene environment to share his last moments.

I will forever be grateful for everything St Joseph’s have done for us all.”

Like Jude, you can purchase a flower to honour the life of someone special.