Judith Archer’s Story

Supporter Judith Archer has had ties to St Ann’s since 1980 after her nana received care for cancer at the hospice.

At first, the idea of a hospice seemed daunting for Judith who was just 20 at the time. Her mother, Eileen, and nana, Annie, were also anxious, especially as Annie was blind and partially deaf.

Despite their concerns, the family soon felt at ease at St Ann’s following the support and care of the staff at the hospice

Annie had been a huge influence in Judith’s life, caring for her while her mother worked and when Judith was eight, she became her nana’s guide after she went blind.

The care she received had a lasting impression on Judith and her mother Eileen, who went on to volunteer at St Ann’s as a way to show her thanks to the hospice. Eileen worked in the shop and answered phones on Sundays.

Judith went on to say: “Each and every one of the staff in there were an absolute credit and the warmth and kindness shown has never been forgotten.”

Days after Judith’s 21st birthday her nana died at 77 and since then, Judith’s perception of hospices changed and St Ann’s has become a charity close to her heart.

“The hospice is a place of healing due to every person playing their part and celebrating what time a person has left. No other health care could come close to the standards of the hospice.”