North Devon Hospice issues final plea for 'Living Through Loss' appeal

A local hospice has entered the final week of a major fundraising drive to support children and young people facing the "unimaginable" loss of a parent.

The North Devon Hospice is calling for a final community push to reach its £50,000 target for the 'Living Through Loss' appeal.

Organisers say the funds are vital to meet an unprecedented increase in demand for specialist bereavement counselling and emotional support in the region.

For Ella, who grew up in Ilfracombe, the support of the hospice was a lifeline when her mother, Claire, was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

ABOVE: Ella, now 30, who describes the hospice as her "sanctuary." Photo: North Devon Hospice

"When I was seventeen, my mum died of cancer," Ella said. "During the year or so leading up to her death, and for many years after, North Devon Hospice became a sanctuary for me and my family."

She described her counselling sessions as a "huge weight" off her shoulders, providing a safe space to discuss not only her grief but the everyday insecurities of being a teenager.

"I talked about the flat, grey feeling of grief and the fear that I wouldn't be happy again," she added. "But I talked about other things too: my worries around leaving home and going to university."

The hospice continued to support Ella even after she left for university, offering guidance as she navigated life in a new city without her mother.

Now 30 and living in London, Ella says the "wise and gentle" advice she received over a decade ago still resonates with her today as she prepares to get married next month.

"It’s true that grief never really goes away, but it does lessen over time," she said. "I know my mum would have been proud of where I’ve gotten to."