Hayley’s Story

Hayley Astin and her family were regular visitors to the hospice for four years before Hayley’s death. Hayley was diagnosed with incurable ovarian cancer in her mid-30s when she was told she had up to two years to live. Hayley defied the odds and lived for a further nine years.

Hayley was referred to Queenscourt by her Oncologist who thought she would benefit from the specialist compassionate care offered by the hospice. From an initial visit, when she enjoyed a reflexology session, Hayley became a regular visitor to the hospice as a day therapy patient and later for several stays as an in-patient.

During that time, the team at Queenscourt not only looked after Hayley, but also her husband Scott and their children, Dylan and Phoebe.

“The staff at Queenscourt were unbelievable with regards to the quality of care and support they gave to me, my family and obviously Hayley,” said Scott. “Hayley felt so safe there and every time there was a problem, they made her feel so much at ease.

“The Queenscourt team are just phenomenal. Hayley was never treated like a patient; she was more of a family member.”

Just two months before her death Hayley wanted to share her experience of being looked after by #teamqueenscourt:

“The personal attention you receive is phenomenal and I can honestly say that every person I’ve seen at Queenscourt – whether they’re Staff or Volunteers, are the most wonderful people.   My family have always felt welcomed and reassured when they visit me as they can see that I’m being looked after so well, which in turn makes them feel better.”

“It’s the little things that make such a difference when you’re feeling down, just having a foot massage from the Complementary Therapist feels like a real treat when you’re struggling with pain, tiredness and stress. The Volunteers are wonderful, I arrived for a check-up on my last visit and wasn’t feeling great.  I was tired and felt sore and achy.  Within minutes I had a lovely hot mug of tea placed in front of me by one of the Volunteers and I was given the warmest greeting by all of the Nursing Staff.

Queenscourt is a magical place. To be treated in a dignified way means the world. Every single person treats me like I matter, no-one takes pity on me here – I’m just Hayley and that is a real gift.”