Ollie’s story

Losing Ollie changed our lives forever.

As many of you know, our eldest son Ollie spent six weeks at St Christopher’s Hospice during August and September 2024. It was there that he peacefully passed away.

Before Ollie arrived at the hospice, we didn’t really know what to expect. Like many people, the word “hospice” felt frightening. But what we experienced there was not just care at the end of life — it was compassion, dignity, comfort, and above all, love.

The team at St Christopher’s gave Ollie the medical care he needed in a calm and gentle environment. There were no constant machines beeping, no harsh hospital surroundings, and no endless stream of unfamiliar clinicians prodding and poking at him. Instead, there was warmth, kindness, and peace.

The staff quickly became like family to us. We trusted them completely to care for Ollie, and for the first time in a long while, we were able to rest knowing he was in safe and capable hands.

The physiotherapy team worked incredibly hard to help Ollie maintain as much independence and quality of life as possible. They helped get him out of bed, into the gardens to enjoy the fresh air and late summer sunshine, and even into the onsite gym — something he absolutely loved.

One of the most special things was that Ollie could still be surrounded by his friends every day. They gathered together in his room and in the restaurant, sharing meals, laughter, stories, and precious time together. Those moments meant everything to him, and to us.

The occupational therapy team also went above and beyond to help us achieve our goal of getting Ollie home. They worked tirelessly to arrange everything we might need — from ramps and wheelchairs to a hospital bed, bathing aids, and toilet equipment. Although Ollie was only able to spend a short time at home before returning to the hospice, having that opportunity meant so much to us. Their determination, kindness, and refusal to give up on helping us create those moments together was incredible.

We will be forever grateful to everyone at the hospice for giving us extra quality time with Ollie.

When his final moments came, we were beside him, cuddling him in his bed while listening to a playlist his friends had made of all his favourite songs. His friends listened along virtually together at the same time. It was peaceful, loving, and full of everything that Ollie was.

I truly hope that everyone facing such difficult circumstances gets the opportunity to receive this kind of care.

I will never again be afraid of the word “hospice,” because for us it was not just about dying — it was about living too.

So, if you are able to, please help us give something back to the hospice that gave so much to Ollie, and continues to do the same for so many other families.

Tell everyone why you're walking

Fun Walk is St Christopher's biggest fundraising event of the year. 

2025's event was attended by over 2500 walkers and raised over a whopping £220,000! 

With live music, entertainment, street food and vintage shopping, come join the festival feeling on Keston Common on 10th May 2026!

We'll be there, walking for our local hospice. Sponsor us and help to provide expert end of life care to people in South London. 

Thank you.