Our Stories

When someone is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, or someone close to you dies, it’s normal to feel a huge range of emotions. Some of which you may never have experienced before. Each person’s experience will be different, and perhaps because there’s no right or wrong way to grieve this can often mean we struggle to navigate these feelings.

"I’d almost given up until I came here. My breathing was bad and I couldn’t eat anything when I arrived. I couldn’t believe how much they boosted me up and they got me eating meals again. It was so relaxing and homely, I sat reading books and sewing. I loved it and told them I didn’t want to leave!"

We sat down with Anna recently to chat about her role as Volunteer Retail Assistant at our Houghton-le-Spring shop. It was lovely to hear why she chose to volunteer and what it means to her.

"The Rainbow Ramble was a wonderful day of community, colours and most importantly charity."

7 year old Nathan Rennison takes on the Durham City Run in memory of his dad Andy Rennison.

“I never imagined I would lose my sister at the young age of 43. Dawn was a bright and colourful person who had a natural skill at making, and maintaining, hundreds of friendships."

"I volunteer to give something back. I’ve never worked in retail, but I love it. I’ve built a rapport with the customers and we have some who come from miles away. I have got to know the regular customers enough to be able to point out items I think they’d like and have a chat with them."

We're incredibly lucky to have many members of staff and volunteers who have spent a great number of years caring for patients and guests at St Cuthbert's Hospice. Read about Rachel and Emma who have cared for patients for over 31 years between them.