Kate Mellars has spoken of her deep gratitude to St Luke’s Hospice after her mum spent her final days there, describing the care as “the most wonderful, dignified and respectful way to receive end of life care”.

Kate’s mum, Ann Bentley, died at St Luke’s in January 2026 after spending eight days at the hospice’s In Patient Centre.

Ann, who was born in December 1943, was 82 years old and had been living with complex health problems for many months, including a rare bowel condition that led to repeated hospital admissions, weight loss, confusion and increasing frailty. When it became clear that Ann was reaching the end of her life, Kate knew she wanted her mum’s final days to be spent somewhere calm and peaceful.

“As a family, we feel hugely privileged that Mum’s final days were spent being cared for with such support, empathy and professionalism,” said Kate. “Thank you will never be enough.”

Ann, who grew up in Rotherham, was a devoted mum and grandmother, known for her strong Yorkshire spirit, her honesty and her love of family life. She later became a much‑loved ‘Nan’ and ‘Great Nan’, always happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“The word ‘hospice’ can sound frightening,” Kate said. “But my experience has shown me that this is the most wonderful, dignified and respectful way to receive end of life care. I am forever humbled and grateful that my mum was able to have this experience.”

Ann with her daughter, Kate, and Grandaughter, Laura.

Kate described how, from the moment her mum arrived at St Luke’s, both Ann and the whole family were shown outstanding compassion, kindness and respect.

“It wasn’t just the care Mum received, but the way the team cared for us as a family too,” she said. “The way they spoke to me, and to my daughter, and the support they gave her in explaining what was happening to her own young son, made such a difference.”

One moment that has stayed with Kate was when a member of the St Luke’s team, Jo, stayed with Ann for hours during a particularly unsettled day.

“She sat with Mum all morning until we arrived, because she didn’t want her to be alone,” Kate said. “She had tears in her eyes and said, ‘I know this is my job, but your mum is such a lovely lady.’ That meant the world to us.”

Kate, a nurse herself, also spoke of the kindness shown to her personally, including being gently encouraged to take a break after days spent at her mum’s bedside.

“One of the team insisted I go and have a Sunday roast and a glass of wine while they sat with Mum,” she said. “They put a pillow and blanket out for me and told me they’d come and get me if they needed me. That half an hour of rest saved me, and meant I could focus on being a daughter again – not a carer.”

Kate said that once her mum’s pain was under control and she was more settled, there were moments of light and joy the family will always treasure. On one visit, Kate, her daughter Laura and granddaughter Esme danced together around the room to Barry Manilow, while Ann watched on smiling. For Laura, it showed her what St Luke’s was really like, and that her nan was calm and comfortable.

Ann with her Great-Grandchildren Esme and Albie

The hospice Chaplain also played a key role in supporting the family, helping Laura to talk openly and honestly with her young son about his nan’s death.

“She gave us a book, a teddy bear and advice about not being afraid to use the word ‘die’,” Kate said. “That teddy now goes to bed with him every night. Those small acts have had such a lasting impact on our family.”

Kate also praised the hospice’s Hospitality Team, who she said brought warmth and kindness into the room, even on the most difficult days. Even towards the end, when her mum was no longer drinking, staff continued to bring in a fresh jug of water with a slice of lemon, remembering that Ann liked the taste.

What stood out most to Kate, was the dignity shown to her mum right to the very end. “Every single person who came into the room spoke to Mum, introduced themselves, and explained what they were doing, even when she wasn’t fully conscious,” she said. “Nobody treated her like a task. She was always treated as a person.”

“I want people to know that St Luke’s isn’t ‘doom and gloom’,” Kate added. “The staff are always there with a smile, but also ready to offer a hug, or a shoulder to cry on when it’s needed.

Now, Kate and her family are committed to supporting St Luke’s in any way they can, from playing the hospice Lottery to attending events such as Festival of Light. Kate’s daughter is also exploring corporate volunteering opportunities through her workplace.

“I have no regrets, and we are eternally grateful to St Luke’s,” Kate said. “Whatever Mum went through in the months before, her final days were calm, peaceful and full of love. Everyone should be able to die in this way.”