We are saying a heartfelt thank you to Alison, Andrew and family, for their generous legacy donation and passion for sharing their story to inspire others to do the same. Both Andrew and Alison experienced our vital care and support, and before she died Alison chose to leave a gift in her Will, so that others may experience that same specialist care they did. Now, Alison’s sister Joanne is sharing the couple’s story in their memory, in the hope of inspiring others to leave a legacy and make a lasting difference.

Alison and Andrew met in 1984, as teenagers, and from day one were inseparable. They married 7 years later, and working as a technical accountant and a bedroom fitter, they built their lives together, buying a house, enjoying holidays, and most of all always being there for each other.

In 2018, Andrew was diagnosed with cancer, and after he failed to respond to treatment, he accessed our specialist care and support:

"From the first phone call, they were amazing, full of care, honesty and compassion.” Joanne remembers. “Andrew moved to the hospice, and in that place of kindness, Alison and Andrew renewed their vows and made precious memories."

When Andrew died, Alison slowly began to find her new path, travelling, spending time with her beloved niece and nephew, and supporting the us through fundraising. Then in 2024 Alison herself was diagnosed with an aggressive, terminal cancer:

"Alison began palliative treatment and fought with quiet determination, and once again we reached out to Bolton Hospice. Alison wanted to access complementary therapies - massages, in her words, made her feel normal. When the time came, she made the decision she would return to the hospice.

"The team at the hospice were exceptional, from consultants to volunteers, when everything felt too much, they quietly shared their love. Even in her final days, Alison remained kind, gracious, and full of dignity.

"I share this story as Alison's little sister. The world feels darker without the light of Alison and Andrew in it, but I will always be thankful to Bolton Hospice - a place not to be feared, a place filled with angels. Alison wished to leave a legacy donation, in her and Andrew's memory, so others could receive the same wonderful care as them."

If, like Alison, you'd like to find out more about making a lasting difference and leaving a gift in your will, you can access lots of useful information here