‘What Makes a Friend for Life’, created by Havens Hospices in partnership with local production company Tidal Film, was recognised from 200 film entries at this year’s festival in London.

The film tells the story of best friends Lucy and Bex. Lucy is a nurse who has spent her career supporting children and families at the end of their life. But then her best friend Bex became a patient at Fair Havens, and Lucy experienced hospice care from the other side.

Narrated by Lucy, the film uses personal archive footage of the friends’ adventures to tell Bex’s story, capturing their friendship and the precious memories they made together.

The festival judges praised the film as:

“So beautifully curated. A wonderful memory of Bex, created with love.”

They also described the use of archive footage as “simple, emotionally effective, and truly authentic”, adding that the film was “emotive without losing sight of the storytelling, and creatively strong.”

Amy Dearing, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Havens Hospices, accepted the award on behalf of everyone involved in creating the film.

Speaking at the ceremony, Amy said: “This film shows the story of grief through the eyes of a best friend. It’s not something we see very often, as the focus is often on the bereavement of direct relatives.

“That is the power and importance of hospice care like Fair Havens, and hospices up and down the country. They will support the patient and anyone close to you – it doesn’t matter if you’re not a traditional family unit.

“Our hospice care gave Lucy the chance to be a best friend to Bex again, and helping Bex to be comfortable and free from pain to make memories with her young son. Something no young mum should ever have to do, but thank goodness Fair Havens was there to make that happen.

“Hospice care is something that you never think about till you or someone you love needs it. But it should never be taken for granted that they will always be there. Hospices around the UK are underfunded and under threat, so I ask everyone here to do what they can to support their local hospice.”

The Saltways Charity Film Festival is a one-day celebration of nonprofit storytelling. The festival aims to recognise films made with dignity, genuine partnership and creative ambition, while bringing the charity sector together to learn, connect and be inspired.

For Fair Havens, the award is not only recognition of the creative work behind the film, but an opportunity to highlight the wider role of hospice care – supporting patients and the people who matter to them, whatever their relationship.

What makes a friend for life can be watched here: https://youtu.be/l1vqAeTr-zY?is=GctsmSgppE0ShXmO

Published on 9th October 2026