Pauline was admitted to Bolton Hospice in April 2026.  After she died, Ged made it his mission to raise funds for Bolton Hospice in his Mum’s memory.

A loving wife, mother and devout Catholic, Pauline spent her life helping others.

Her career was based in Bolton, enjoying stints as a midwife, district nurse, health visitor and field work teacher.  In 1977 Pauline launched the evening district nurse service and, after serving as a health visitor for 18 years in Whitefield (Uplands), she shared her expertise training new health visitors. She remained a proud member of Bolton Nurses League throughout her retirement.

Pauline was well aware of the importance of end-of-life care.  Her experience as a district nurse showed her the value of dignity and compassion in death and so, she became a lifelong support of Bolton Hospice - right from the very day it was built. 

During her time as a patient she formed close bonds with staff, keen to listen and mentor her fellow nurses even in her final weeks. 

“She was a brilliant woman, the best mum I could’ve asked for.  She was a true inspiration to me and many others.

She had around 40 visitors whilst at the hospice – it was like a long goodbye to everyone.

She always wanted to go to Bolton Hospice when the time came.  She wasn’t frightened and, as strange as it might sound, she actively enjoyed her time there.  She was comfortable, well monitored and always spoke highly of the staff… and the food! 

Nothing was too much, the staff looked after me as well.  I stayed over every night and one day a nurse subtly asked me what I’d usually have for breakfast at home.  I told her my routine and when I woke up the next day, they’d made exactly that for me!

It was like a home away from home.” – Ged, Pauline’s son

After Pauline died, Ged wanted to raise funds for Bolton Hospice.

The funeral directors suggested using ‘Much Loved’’, a website for family and friends to donate and share their photos and stories of Pauline.

In all, they raised a total of £2,035.12

“Charity has always been at the heart of our family; Mum always had an interest in charities home and abroad.

There are so many great ones out there that it can be hard to decide which to support but having seen exactly where money goes at Bolton Hospice, I knew I wanted to donate. 

Fundraising became a good distraction between grieving.  It was nice for everyone to connect through Mum and share their memories and photos - she would’ve loved that.

It’s a local hospice, for local people and it’s exactly where Mum wanted to be.”