Natalie’s Nana was admitted to the inpatient unit for pain management following a hip fracture and the progression of her cancer.

"My grandmother, well she was nana to me, went into the hospice in February. She was diagnosed with cancer November last year. She was alright then all of a sudden she had a fall and was taken into hospital for two weeks. As she recovered from the fall the cancer started to get worse, so she went into the hospice to help with pain management, and passed away a couple of weeks later.

My nana was like my best friend, we’d been close since I was a little girl. As you can imagine I found the whole thing incredibly difficult, but the hospice have been a massive help. The staff made the ending as dignified as it could have been for her. They are all so caring and have such a passion for the hospice. There was one lady who showed me around the rooms and stuff and assured me I could go wherever I wanted. There were some days where I'd come out of my Nana’s room and I'd just cry in the hallway. Then a nurse would come over and put an arm around me and tell me it's alright and talk to me about it with no judgement.

I’m still going visiting the hospice; they're giving me bereavement support as well. It felt like my whole world ended, but within two weeks of her dying, they'd sorted me out with counselling, for bereavement support. Now I go to the hospice every Tuesday for an hour and speak with one of the bereavement volunteers. It’s making the whole process easier for me because you really need the help and support, so for them to be able to offer that to me, with no questions asked, and no judgement, is incredible and I’m very grateful for it

Nana was happy in the hospice from the first day she got there. In the last days she couldn’t talk but she was still switched on mentally and she was really pleased with the care and the environment of the hospice. She had her own patio with a chair and table, it was a beautiful setting. You can't fault how welcome they made her and us all feel.

To anyone worried about someone they love going into a hospice, I’d tell them to put their trust in the staff of Bolton Hospice because they care. Talk to them about any reservations you have because they will reassure you and keep you informed. They’re incredible."