In December 2025, after a period of sudden weight loss, Annie was told her cancer had returned and spread throughout her body, described as having a ‘crumbling spine’. Before this, she led an active and full life as a yoga teacher, who loved the outdoors, regularly cold-water swimming at Chalkwell beach.

In February, Annie stayed at Fair Havens Hospice for a week to help adjust her medication and manage the pain she was experiencing. After a week and being able to control her pain, Annie has returned home and continued to benefit from Fair Havens’ care, such as reflexology and Reiki.

She said, “The carers and the volunteers are lovely, everyone is really nice. It was just such a supportive and welcoming place to be.”

“It was really positive because they were looking at trying to get my pain under control. It felt like there was someone every day coming in and reviewing my symptoms, which meant things could be adapted quickly and properly.”

“I think it’s a shame that some people won’t come to the hospice, because Fair Havens is such a positive experience. It surprised me how positive it was, and I couldn’t fault it. People have this idea of what a hospice is, but it really isn’t like that.”

“It wasn’t like hospital, my friends and family could just come and go, meaning I had a real sense of freedom. It just felt more natural and relaxed, and that made a huge difference.”

While staying at Fair Havens, Annie was supported by our Creative Therapy team to make a plaster hand cast with her son George, something they now treasure at home. “While I was there, they went through all the different things I could do and the types of support they offer. That’s when they mentioned creating hand casts, so we arranged to do that when George was visiting next. It’s so special and something we can keep. It’s not something I would ever have thought about doing, but I’m really glad we did.”

“The therapists have visited me at home, too, when I couldn’t join the workshops at Fair Havens. I’ve done their ‘Playlist for Life’ session, which helped to create a music playlist about my life and memories, and their physiotherapist visited for Tai Chi. I’ve also enjoyed Reiki sessions at home with their Complementary Therapist. It has felt like even when you leave the hospice, there are still loads of things happening to support you. You’re not just left on your own.”

Since then, Annie has broken her hip, which means she’s not as mobile at home anymore. She said, “The Fair Havens Community Team have stepped in, and they’re visiting me four times a day to help with everything, meaning I can stay at home. I honestly wouldn’t be able to cope without them.”

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Published in 2026