Patients, volunteers, supporters and staff at a hospice in Kenton were put on the spot to share what the centre means to them.

Those entering or being looked after at St Luke’s Hospice in Kenton Road, this week were asked “Hospice care is…” to highlight what the palliative care centres mean to people, their families and communities.

The awareness raising event was part of Hospice Care Week which ends on Sunday.

Among the responses, St Luke’s patients said hospice care is ‘Giving me positivity for the future, it’s my new beginning’ and ‘A learning process in the new journey and an introduction to relaxation therapies.’ Fellow patients said:

‘Excellent care and support and there 24/7’ and ‘Very important to me.’

Robin Webb, ceo of St Luke’s said: “Hospice care is amazing care that gave me quality time with my mum.”

He added: “It is with the help of the local community that St Luke’s can support the people in Harrow and Brent to access the care they need to live well, to know that their family and carers are supported, and to die with dignity in the place of their choice.”

The hospice needs to raise £3.5 million each year to care for patients. In 2015 staff supported 1,028 patients of which 13,561 hours of care was given in the comfort of people’s homes.

To find out more and support St Luke’s go to stlukes-hospice.org.