Angela Sharma - Why I'm Passionate about Hospice Care

Angela Sharma has been a trustee at Saint Francis Hospice since 2023. As part of Trustees Week (4-8 November) Angela shares why she is so passionate about hospice care and why she is using her skills and over 28 years of experience in the local area as a family solicitor to help the charity.

I had never really experienced or understood what palliative care meant until my mum passed away in January 2023.  She was 91 years old and had always lived independently since my father passed away in 2014.  She was a very confident lady and had even learned to swim at the age of 70.

As her health deteriorated, as a result of a couple of falls, she was adamant that she wanted to stay in her home.  We ensured her wishes were listened to and with a lot of care and support in place she was able to do this. We also knew we had the support of the local hospice if needed.   As a result of the palliative care we put in place we were able to spend a lot of time with her as family and make those lasting memories.  We were able to be with her in those last days, hours and minutes of her life.

Being able to spend precious time with Mum made me truly understand the value of palliative care and how important it is for people at the end of their life to be comfortable and for their loved ones to be with them without having to worry about anything else. Spending quality time is invaluable at this difficult time. 

Mum did not want her family to be bathing and changing her. She was our mum and she would remind us of that from time to time.  Her dignity was of paramount importance to her. Having a support network is so important in ensuring this.

A few months later, I lost my father-in-law. He also passed away at home and had palliative care support.  Again, this external support was so important in allowing family to have special quality time with him. 

Saint Francis Hospice allows people to retain their dignity and provide the care and support they need so their families can just be with them as a husband, a wife, a son or a daughter.  This was one of the main reasons I was drawn to the hospice, so when I saw the charity was looking for a trustee with a legal background I applied for the position. 

I feel very proud to say I am a trustee at Saint Francis Hospice. I find it very rewarding, and it enables me to give back to my local community.