End of life at Dorothy House – Michelle’s story
In 2024, Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer, later learning in November 2024 that it had spread, discovering 18 brain tumours. With a terminal diagnosis, she was referred to Dorothy House for end of life care.
Michelle was determined to make the most of the time she had with her family, husband, Tom, and children, Brooke and Frankie, while maintaining an open and positive approach to her journey.
Michelle’s end of life care with Dorothy House
The team at Dorothy House were able to support Michelle and her family in a number of ways. Michelle received treatment for lymphedema, and complementary therapies including massage to ease her symptoms.
The family have received counselling, including individual counselling for their children. They also created a memory vase with our Creative Arts team, so that when Tom and the children need time to reflect and remember Michelle, they can pull out memories and be comforted by them. She was also supported by our Spiritual Lead, Dave, spending time in the Beacon, a space she felt was beautiful and calming.
“The support you get, it makes it so much easier and supportive and it's not scary. It's actually so relaxing and supportive. We had friends that were scared of it and I don't think that they got the support that they needed, whereas actually, I'm not scared. I'm not scared at all.”
Fundraising for Dorothy House
Michelle and her family have been hard at work fundraising for Dorothy House, with lots of wonderful events. Most recently, on May 18, along with their family, friends and supporters, Michelle and her family held a charity football match at Corsham Football Club in support of the Hospice. It was an incredibly special day, filled with football matches for both adults and children, as well as activities to raise more funds including face painting, cake sales, a tombola and games.
With generous support from friends and the community, the impressive array of raffle prizes included laptops, golf days, football match tickets, gym memberships and massage treatments. Through Michelle and her team’s meticulous planning and phenomenal efforts, and with the amazing support from the community, the Jones family has raised an astonishing £13,200 (and counting).
Michelle’s legacy
Michelle died on our Inpatient Unit on Thursday, 12 June. Her honest and open approach to death and dying helps to destigmatise a taboo subject, and her incredible fundraising efforts leave a legacy of positivity.
"You never know when you're going to be that person we never thought we would be…so don't wait until you are that person. If you can give that help, it's so important..."