Finding comfort and compassion at Willow Wood in difficult times

When Mark Oliver first walked through the doors of Willow Wood Hospice, it was during one of the most difficult times of his life.

His wife Adele had been diagnosed with lung cancer and, by the time it was discovered, the disease had already spread to her brain, spine and bones.

“We were told there was no treatment for her – it had gone too far,” Mark explained.

“We were looking for palliative care and was told about Willow Wood Hospice. Adele spent three days on the Inpatient Unit in the Hospice before she died on 27th March 2025 – she was 55 years old.”

‘I was really happy that her final days were spent here’

Mark, 53, from Denton, had been with Adele for 26 years and married for 20, raising two children – Daniel, 18, and Rosie, 14.

Mark described Adele as “funny and very loving” and recalled how her illness came as a shock to the family.

What initially seemed like sciatica later led to further complications and, after having a seizure, she went to hospital for scans and tests, which eventually led to her receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Having seen the Hospice’s fundraising events in the local media, Mark was already aware of Willow Wood. But when he arrived with Adele, he was moved by the care and atmosphere.

“Adele was in a room on her own and although she was only in there a short time, the level of care she received was brilliant. I know hospitals try their best but it’s very different here. I was really happy that her final days were spent here. The volunteers on Reception also get to know who you are, which makes you feel welcome.”

Following Adele’s death, Mark was offered bereavement counselling through our Family Support team and, after taking up the opportunity, found it helpful.

“I thought talking to someone would help so I took it up,” he said. “You probably need more help than you think you do and you want to speak to people outside the family. It was great. Obviously it doesn’t cure anything but it really helps you to look at things in a different perspective. I can honestly say it has helped.”

‘Don’t be afraid’

Through his sessions, Mark found that the support he received not only helped him, but also gave him insight into how his children might be coping.

“You can get a bit wrapped up in how you feel and might not understand how other people might actually look at it. My thinking was to try to protect them but they are more resilient than I thought and they’ve made their own mind up about things. It’s difficult but, on the whole, we’re doing okay.”

Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead, commented: “It was a pleasure to work with Mark and his two children. Although I never got to meet Adele, I was able to learn about her love, light and personality through how she and Mark had been throughout their marriage and also in raising their children. It can be hard for parents to realise that there is support for them and to understand there is space for them too alongside their children being supported in the grief process, but once Mark did so, he was able to spend time exploring his feelings, needs and grief.”

Wanting to give back, Mark and his family asked for donations to Willow Wood instead of flowers at Adele’s funeral – raising £500 – and he wants to support the Hospice in the future too by getting involved in our fundraising walk with Rosie.

Although returning to Willow Wood for the first time after Adele’s death was hard, Mark shared words of encouragement for anyone else facing the same fears.

“I found it hard just walking through the door but to be honest you’re not going to be judged in any sort of way. It’s a very welcoming and safe environment. Just don’t be afraid – the staff here are brilliant and will help you.

“It’s important that people are aware of the services available at the Hospice. Obviously my main focus has been the kids but I can imagine if the kids were older, they would probably have struggled a lot more with everything so that’s when I think somewhere like Willow Wood will become invaluable.”

To find out more about Willow Wood Hospice’s services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 1100.