"It really is one big family"

Paul Burgess lost partner Alison Barrs at St Andrew's Hospice in 2024, following a long battle with a brain tumour.

The couple were engaged for five years before pledging their commitment to each other in an intimate blessing ceremony, whilst Ali was a patient on our inpatient unit. Over the years, she also attended wellbeing groups and used the bathing service at the hospice. 

After losing Ali, Paul said he decided to purchase a leaf on our Memory Tree as a way of supporting the hospice, whilst also giving him a focal point to reminisce about their time together.

"I had seen the tree when I had been coming in, and I'd talk to members of staff and realised it was something I wanted to do when Alison passed. It was somewhere I felt was a focal point that I could come to bring the dogs, have a coffee and contemplate. It was somewhere I knew was peaceful; a nice place I can come to and properly reminisce.

"It has the advantage of putting something back into the hospice, but it's also something I knew Alison would like. I even put the leaf up at 4ft 11, which was her height. It's just giving a little bit back and somewhere I can come and see Alison's name, have a chat with her and feel close to her."

To purchase a leaf on our memory tree, click here.