Josie’s journey: a legacy of love and awareness

21st July 2026

Sometimes, life is not as long as we expect, or hope it will be. Receiving a terminal diagnosis can feel shattering on every level. Yet with tenderness, the utmost sensitivity – and kindness that never wavers – the right care and support can bring peace to an anxious mind and soothe a frightened heart.

At Turnchapel, where talented artist Josie is a patient, she is surrounded by those who matter most to her: husband Laith – her ‘rock’ – and their two bright, beautiful girls, Becca, aged 10, and Sophie, 6. Living with terminal cancer, Josie knows time is running short, yet within the peace of the specialist unit, her story is not dominated by sadness. It is one of extraordinary love, abundant courage, and creating a lasting legacy.

A gentle warning: this video includes content that some may find upsetting

Together, Josie, Laith and their young family have built a life of muddy boots, fresh air and adventures. An outdoorsy tribe, at their happiest together. The moment that changed life as she knew it is sharply etched in Josie’s memory.

She recalls: “We were at the Aquarium when I got the call from the hospital telling me cancer had gone into my lymph nodes. It was right then and there that my world suddenly changed.”

What began with the removal of a mole from Josie’s back led to two further moles needing to be removed, and a CT scan described as precautionary. When melanoma was diagnosed, immunotherapy offered hope at such a devastating time, and for a while, it helped. But after her second treatment, Josie developed severe symptoms. She was admitted to intensive care with myasthenia gravis, a condition that proved even more aggressive than the cancer. Melanoma treatment could no longer continue. Josie’s diagnosis was terminal, and the focus became keeping cancer from spreading for as long as possible.

Josie takes up her story: “My first stay at Turnchapel was just a week long before I returned home, and they helped me gradually come to terms with what was happening. But walking through the doors this time felt different and it was hard to step over the threshold. Now I know I am not going home again and that this is the place where I’m going to die.”

Since Josie arrived at the specialist unit for bespoke end-of-life care, the focus has been on ensuring she is comfortable, not only physically – with pain under control – but as far as possible, emotionally too.

St Luke’s nurse Jamie has been a constant presence. Josie said: “Nothing is too much trouble for Jamie, and her kindness means more than she may ever know.

“This isn’t just about me though. It’s about us as a family, and social worker Danielle is helping Laith, Rebecca and Sophie emotionally and practically as well. It comforts me so much knowing they will continue to be looked after when I’m gone. I feel a lot calmer because of that.”

“Thank you for loving me more than the stars in the sky”

While inevitably, Josie’s thoughts sometimes turn to the future and after she has died, St Luke’s compassionate care means she is making the most of here and now, relishing every precious moment with Laith, every cuddle and giggle with their girls, and the closeness and comfort that togetherness brings. Josie treasures a letter from Becca that she keeps close at hand. “Thank you for loving me more than the stars in the sky”, it reads. And then there’s the little teddy with the heartfelt words, “Best Mum”.

Far from being a place only of sadness, Turnchapel has been echoing with laughter. Josie, Becca and Sophie have enjoyed movie nights, beauty parlour treatments and even sleepovers at the hospice. Going above and beyond, nurse Jamie also arranged a private family screening of the third Avatar film, at Plymouth’s Everyman cinema, complete with comfy sofas, plus drinks and delicious burgers.

The girls have even given back themselves, hosting a bake sale that raised funds for St Luke’s.

Smiling through tears, Josie said: “As a mum, I’m incredibly proud of them. My wider family have been amazing too. I’m so grateful to my wonderful sister for raising the money for us to visit Disneyland as a family. It was magical!”

A powerful message

Each day, with support from St Luke’s, Josie is creating a legacy of love for Laith, Becca and Sophie – precious memories to help bring some comfort after she has died.

She has also been sharing her experience on Facebook to raise awareness of melanoma and the importance of checking for unusual moles.

Her message is clear – and urgent: Be vigilant. Check your skin, including where you can’t normally see. Trust your instincts.

Josie said: “I don’t want anyone else to have to experience what I’ve been going through.

“On my bad days, the comments people leave lift me up. Sharing my story makes me feel like I’m doing something positive and I hope, powerful. If even one person gets a suspicious mole checked, I’ll feel that I’ve done my job.”

This is hospice care

As Josie’s story shows, hospice care is about living well, right to the very end – and making every moment count.

It’s arms around you and love spoken out loud. It’s helping families live fully, even in the hardest of times.

But such vital care does not happen by chance. At St Luke’s, 1 in 4 patients is cared for thanks to gifts left in wills. Gifts that ensure local families like Josie’s receive expert, compassionate support when they need it most.

This is hospice care.

Help it live on for all, for now, forever – www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/will

Leave a Gift in your Will

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