A family’s Sobell memories
16 March 2026
As Sobell House Hospice marks 50 years of care, Ray reflects on the time his wife Sheila spent here nearly 20 years ago, and the compassion and support their family received.
“In September 2008 we had recently celebrated 41 years of marriage when Sheila was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. After the enormous shock and going through hospital care, our family was introduced to Sobell House in early November. Very soon the extraordinary love, care and incredible support from everyone at Sobell was shown to Sheila, and to us as a family. We were made so welcome; there was a huge sense of calm and peace in that bright space, with some laughter too.
A precious memory from that time is Sheila asking on a Sunday afternoon for a fish and chip supper with the family. Gareth, one of our sons-in-law, headed out and found a chippy open; meanwhile, the Family Room table was set with the best china and cutlery that could be found. That turned out to be our last family supper together.
Sheila died peacefully in Sobell House on February 3rd 2009, and we were given as much time as we wanted to say goodbye for now to the most beautiful lady, both inside and out.
As a family we will always be extremely grateful that Sobell House was there for us. Those last few months of Sheila’s life would certainly have been so very different for us all without that amazing love, care and support.
And as 50 years of hospice care is celebrated at Sobell, we do hope and pray in this ever-changing world that families in need will still be receiving the hospice’s incredible medical, physical, emotional and spiritual support and love in another 50 years.”
Shared by Sheila’s husband, Ray
