It was simple, but it was perfect: Angie and her family’s journey

We had the privilege of talking to Angie’s children, hearing more about her, the family’s experience at the Hospice, and how fundraising supported their journey through grief and helped to make a difference in Angie’s memory.

“Mum was an unstoppable force of nature. She was strong-willed, compassionate, and completely dedicated to us – her kids. She had an incredible instinct for other people’s pain, and showed immense empathy to anybody who needed it. She lived her life for us, and she loved fiercely. Anyone who knew her felt that. We will love her endlessly, forever.”

Ange first came to Halton Haven Hospice in December 2024, and after spending time in other facilities over the next few months to support with pain management, she then returned to the Hospice in April as she wanted her end of life experience to be here.

Care personalised to her

“Mum was very nervous in healthcare environments by the time she got to be cared for by Halton Haven Hospice, but the staff gained her trust very quickly.”

“From the very first day, the staff made it clear that their priority was understanding who she was and what mattered to her. They personalised her care around her need to be surrounded by family, and they made sure she received everything she needed while still allowing us to be constantly in and out, sitting outside with her, and filling the space in the way our large family naturally does. They reassured us straight away that they could care for her to the high standard we had been trying so hard to maintain at home, with the help of District Nurses, and they proved that to us every single day.”

“There are so many moments that will stay with us forever.”

“One of the biggest was when we were able to bring Mum back to Halton Haven from another care facility where she had been trialling treatment. It was painful to all of us that the treatment had not helped, but when she returned to Halton Haven Hospice, she simply said “I’m home.”. The relief we felt in that moment is something we’ll never forget.

Another memory that means absolutely everything to us is the day that Mum’s doctor listened intently when we raised concerns about a medication that had been added to her plan at another care facility. We explained that Mum wasn’t responding in the way she normally would, and that something felt wrong. He took our lived experience seriously, trusted that we knew her best, and agreed that her reaction wasn’t typical for her. Because he believed us and acted on it, Mum woke up on what we have since dubbed “Miracle Day”, and we were able to have almost three more exceptionally precious months with her, that we may not otherwise have had.”

“They focused on Mum’s wishes, her dignity, and what she wanted her final weeks to look like.”

“The hospice made a difference in every possible way. They centred Mum’s autonomy in every decision and treated her preferences as essential. When she told the nurses or doctors that certain medications didn’t feel right, they didn’t dismiss her. They listened and tried alternatives. That level of respect meant everything. They never made her feel like she was asking too much or passed judgement on her choices. She felt understood and accepted for who she was.

They involved her and us from the moment she arrived until the very end of her time there. We never felt like we were in the way or bothering anyone. The Nurses and Healthcare Assistants even took seriously our requests to be called in the night if Mum woke up and needed comfort. They created an environment where we could simply be with her whenever we wanted to be, and that gift is something we will always be grateful for.”

Adding life to days

“In the final week of Mum’s life, we were able to spend time together as a family, out in the garden. The staff brought out trays of sandwiches and ice pops, and we spent the whole day in the sun with Mum. It was simple, but it was perfect.”

“Our Mum inspired us to fundraise”

“She was incredible at her job, and she was passionate about fighting for NHS funding. As such, she helped to found the local Momentum group around 2018, with the goal to help the NHS as much as she could. We are so proud of her, and she has inspired us to care so deeply about fundraising and helping healthcare stay available to those who need it.”

To honour the one-year anniversary of Angie’s passing, her children: Jasmine, Rayna, Laura, Ade, and their friend Shaunagh, organised an event in her memory called AngeFest. This event raised an incredible £3,465.89 for Halton Haven Hospice and “became a celebration of her, of community, and of the hospice that cared for her with so much kindness.”

For family and friends, fundraising became a way to “work through our grief in a way that felt active and meaningful.”

“Doing something for others, especially in Mum’s name, became a therapeutic way for us to process everything we’d been through. Fundraising for Halton Haven felt like the most natural way to honour her and to give back to the people who gave us so much. We want other families to receive the same level of care we did.

AngeFest was a day of live music and family‑friendly fun held at the Parklands Social Club in Widnes. We filled the space with games stalls for both kids and adults, a large luxury raffle, live music throughout the afternoon, and a really relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that felt true to Mum. It was the kind of day she would have loved: people coming together, kids running around with prizes, music playing, and everyone just enjoying themselves while supporting a cause that means so much to us.”

“Community generosity added so much heart to the day.”

Family and friends set out to create a day to bring people together and the support of the local community and businesses showed that together, we can help make a difference. “Every prize, every voucher, every service offered helped us create something joyful and meaningful in Mum’s name. It reminded us how strong our community is and how much kindness there is in the people around us. We’ll always appreciate the way they showed up for us and for Halton Haven.”

Thank you so much to Angie’s family for sharing their story. They continue to think of ways to support the Hospice, and we are grateful for the difference they are making in Angie’s Memory. “Halton Haven will always feel like part of our family now. The staff there will always be so special to us.” If you have been inspired to fundraise in memory of a loved one, please email us on fundraising@haltonhaven.co.uk so we can let you know how we can support you.