Sheffield patient receiving end of life care at St Luke’s 'making every day count'
“I don’t want to leave them, but if I can leave them with happy memories, then that will have been worth it”
Joan Bond is currently a patient at St Luke’s In Patient Centre, where she is receiving specialist end of life care and support to manage her symptoms.
Joan is facing the difficult reality that she doesn’t know whether she has days or weeks left to live. But one thing is certain: she is absolutely determined to make the most of every moment.
During her time at St Luke’s, she has been making every day count – with her three daughters, Claire, Emma and Sarah, as well as her grandchildren, setting themselves fun goals and challenges each day to make the most of their time together.
These have taken the form of “themed days”, including ‘Pyjama Day’, when the whole family arrived in onesies, pyjamas and slippers, and ‘Moustache Day’, when everyone donned a stick‑on moustache in tribute to Joan’s husband, Pete, who died over 10 years ago.
There was also ‘Hawaiian Day’, bringing a beach theme to Joan’s room, as well as ‘Silly T-shirt Day’ when everyone decorated their own T-shirts with fun messages and drawings.
There is still planning in the works for what the days for the rest of the week will look like – with “Silly Hat Day” currently being a top contender.
Joan’s favourite was the “Say ‘yes’ Day”, where she and her daughters had to say yes to anything each other wanted. This included Joan instructing the girls to go on a shopping spree to Meadowhall, where they could treat themselves to whatever they liked.
For Joan, it’s all about making the most of the time she’s got left, and making memories that her family can treasure forever.
“I love my girls so much, I just want to make them happy,” Joan said.
“I’d much rather see them enjoying themselves while I’m still around. I don’t want anyone sitting around feeling sad.
“I don’t want to leave them, but if I can leave them with happy memories, then that will have been worth it.”
Joan’s zest for life is infectious, with other patients on the In Patient Centre even getting involved with some of the activities.
“If it makes them smile, then it makes me smile,” she said.
And when asked why she wanted to share her story, she simply said: “If reading this story helps one person who might be afraid of what hospices might mean, then it’s worth doing. It’s not all doom and gloom – they really are the most amazing places.”
Joan is an avid gardener, and has even been able to bring a slice of home into the hospice – setting up some potted plants in her room.
Claire, Emma and Sarah explain that it’s not just the care for their mum that has made a difference, St Luke’s has supported the whole family.
“The whole St Luke’s team have been amazing,” they said.
“You don’t know what to expect from a hospice before you need them, but everyone has been incredible.
“A member of the Housekeeping team sat with Mum one night when she was sad, to reassure her and calm her worries. And the Hospitality Team have been amazing – bringing so much fun and enthusiasm to get behind the themed days.”
For Joan and her family, St Luke’s has been about far more than care – it’s about compassion, reassurance and creating space for precious moments together.
As the hospice celebrates its 55th anniversary, Joan’s story reflects the enduring commitment of St Luke’s to helping people live well, right to the end.