Nik’s story

With the support of St Catherine’s Hospice Community Team, Nik cared for his wife Jo at home at the end of her life. He shares their story and explains how Jo inspired him to sign up to Trek the Sahara in November 2027 in her memory, raising vital funds for the hospice.

“Jo was a hugely positive person, a great motivator and a real character.

“She grew up in Wales and was fiercely proud of her Welsh roots. She lived a full and active life and achieved so much; she had a passion for all animals, especially horses, was a qualified pilot, and worked as a motorcycle police officer in her early career. Later in life she managed her own business as a consultant and executive coach, having a wonderful way of getting the best out of people as a hugely respected mentor and leader. Networking and bringing people together was very much her superpower.

“She had many hobbies and passions; she was a parkrun run director, chair of her local running club and qualified as an athletics official. We met through a shared love of driving having bought the same Lotus sports cars – both green with a yellow stripe! It was such a core part of our story that I designed a green/yellow themed coffin for Jo’s funeral.

“Sadly, Jo was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in May 2023. She had surgery at St George’s soon after, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the Royal Marsden. Both hospitals were amazing and she responded well to treatment with minimal side effects, allowing a period of relative normality before her cancer ultimately returned in April 2025.

“Jo was incredibly stoic throughout her cancer journey and didn’t have a fear of dying – but her concern was how she might die.

“She had originally wanted to die on the Ward at St Catherine’s, I think to spare me having her pass away at home, but that isn’t how it happened in the end.

“She was fairly well up until the last two weeks of her life. The nurses from St Catherine’s Community Team visited us regularly at home, and it gave Jo reassurance to know that they were there. She had many close friends visit her, which was very comforting, and she was relaxed and pain free in familiar surroundings.

“When the time came, there wasn’t a bed available on the Ward at the hospice, and so with the support and guidance of the Community Team nurses, I took the decision that Jo would die at home.”

The support from St Catherine’s

“Although Jo had wanted to come into the hospice at the end of her life, I know that caring for her at home, in the end, was the best thing we could have done for her.

“The home visits and phone calls from the Community Team were incredibly reassuring. I was grateful to be able to speak to somebody experienced and professional, at what was an immensely emotional and challenging time.

“Jo was so often the bedrock of our relationship in many ways, but I couldn’t talk to her about it as she was so ill. Having professionals I could talk to was an immense support. You can’t put a price on that, it’s absolutely invaluable.

“Jo died in May 2025, aged 62. She died peacefully – like she had just gone to sleep. It was very much as the St Catherine’s nurse had said it would happen.

“It was very reassuring to know what to expect and recognise the signs as they happen – even if you don’t know exactly when it will happen.

“Although it is a sad fact of life that everybody dies, the death of an immediate family member in your household, where you’re living it every minute, is not something that you hopefully go through more than once or twice. To be able to speak to the experienced team at St Catherine’s, was comforting and reassuring to me as someone who’s not been there before. They were calm and reassuring and told me what to expect.”

Taking on Trek the Sahara

“I’m doing Trek the Sahara in Jo’s memory. I know she would be proud of me for trying new things and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

“For me it’s a voyage of personal discovery. By taking on this challenge, I’m opening the door to new experiences, new friendships and new opportunities. A life changing experience feels too grand to say – but it’s not impossible to imagine that aspects of your life will change as a result of adventures like this.

“Many aspects of my life now are largely thanks to Jo. Bringing people together was her superpower, and I feel like I’m honouring that great strength of hers by joining a team of people and taking on this challenge.

“Giving something back to St Catherine’s is immensely rewarding. Knowing that I’m giving to such a great cause and doing something good to help other people is beneficial for mind, body and soul.

“The support people get from hospices is invaluable. St Catherine’s supported us when our whole world was turned upside down, so it’s a no-brainer for me – of course I would support the charity that provided me with such an incredible service.

“I would encourage anyone to take on Trek the Sahara. Doing a challenge for a great cause is a massive driver to help you stay motivated and work towards that goal. Any obstacles that you may face are surmountable, and the Fundraising Team at St Catherine’s are there to support you with training plans, fundraising ideas and motivation – you will have a great team behind you.

“It promises to be a fantastic experience. I feel very positive about it and I’m excited to feel the sense of satisfaction and achievement once I’ve completed the challenge. I think it will be very rewarding. Who knows, I may get the bug and become a serial challenger after this!”

To register your place and learn more about Trek the Sahara challenge 2027, visit: www.stch.org.uk/event/trek-the-sahara-2027-information-evening