The Hospice Heart Podcast

In Episode 4 of The Hospice Heart, John Crane shares a candid, moving and often uplifting conversation about living with motor neurone disease, the power of human connection, and the support he has found through Saint Francis Hospice. A husband, father, grandfather and lifelong people-person, John speaks with remarkable honesty about adapting to life with an incurable condition while remaining determined to focus on what matters most. Listeners will hear about his experiences of hospice care, the friendships and support networks that have helped him along the way, and why he believes Saint Francis Hospice is so much more than many people realise. Throughout the episode, John challenges common misconceptions about both motor neurone disease and hospice care, sharing how kindness, dignity and community have shaped his journey. His reflections on family, resilience and making the most of every day offer a powerful reminder of the importance of living well, whatever challenges life may bring. Warm, thoughtful and deeply authentic, this is a conversation that will resonate with anyone who has experienced serious illness, cared for a loved one, or simply appreciates hearing honest stories about life and the people who shape it.

For many people, hospice care only becomes personal when they need it. In this episode of The Hospice Heart, listeners will hear from someone whose life was transformed by Saint Francis Hospice and who has spent the last decade giving back to ensure others receive the same support. When Skip Atkins and his wife Jan were first referred to Saint Francis Hospice, they carried the same misconception that many people do. They thought it was simply a place where people go at the end of life. What they discovered instead was something very different. In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Skip shares the story of Jan's journey following a secondary breast cancer diagnosis and how the support they received from the hospice helped bring hope, comfort and strength during an incredibly difficult time. He speaks openly about the challenges they faced as a family, the emotional impact of receiving a life-changing diagnosis and the difference compassionate care can make. Following Jan's death at Saint Francis Hospice in 2016, Skip chose not to walk away. Instead, he became a volunteer and later an ambassador, dedicating himself to raising awareness and supporting the hospice that had cared for his family so deeply. Today, he is one of Saint Francis Hospice's most passionate advocates, helping others understand the vital role hospice care plays across our community. In this inspiring episode, listeners will discover why Skip calls Saint Francis Hospice an "oasis of love", how volunteering helped him find purpose after loss, and why he continues to dedicate his time and energy to supporting the hospice. Episode 3 of The Hospice Heart is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and the Saint Francis Hospice website. 

Meet Dr Corinna Midgley: Compassion, Experience and the Heart of Palliative Care For the second episode of our brand-new podcast, The Hospice Heart, host Ryan Curtis sits down with Dr Corinna Midgley, Medical Director at Saint Francis Hospice, for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about palliative care, living well and supporting people through life's most challenging moments. Having dedicated 25 years to Saint Francis Hospice, Corinna has helped shape and lead services that support people living with a wide range of life-limiting illnesses. But as listeners will discover, her approach is about far more than medicine. "I think the best is that people can live their life well, even with an advanced progressive illness, that the illness doesn't get ahead of them, that they're ahead of the illness." Throughout the episode, Corinna opens up about what good palliative care really means. She explains how hospice teams help people stay in control, manage symptoms and focus on what matters most, while providing support and reassurance for those around them. One philosophy sits at the heart of her approach to care: "Medically we're taught, 'What's the matter with you?' Actually, the shift is, 'What matters to you?'" It is a simple but powerful reminder that every person's priorities, wishes and experiences are unique, and that truly compassionate care starts by listening. One of the most memorable moments in the conversation comes when Corinna describes the role of hospice care as being: "A rock in a storm." It is a phrase that perfectly captures the support Saint Francis Hospice provides, giving people and their loved ones somewhere to turn when life feels overwhelming. Corinna also challenges some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding hospices, explaining that palliative care is not about giving up, but about helping people live as well as possible. "Don't be afraid of palliative care. It doesn't speed things up. It doesn't make things happen quicker. It just makes things a bit better and easier." The conversation explores the importance of personalised care, dignity and ensuring every person remains at the centre of decisions about their care. Listeners will also hear Corinna reflect on her own experiences of loss and how those experiences have shaped her understanding of grief, compassion and the importance of supporting people through some of life's most difficult moments. Reflecting on what 25 years of hospice care has taught her about life, Corinna shares a message that is both simple and profound: "Live it. Get yourself alive. Don't be scared to get involved. People matter." Speaking with warmth, honesty and wisdom, Corinna shares why compassion lies at the heart of everything Saint Francis Hospice does and why no one should face serious illness, grief or uncertainty alone. Her message is simple but powerful: "If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out. Don't do it alone. You're not alone." This moving and uplifting episode offers a rare insight into the realities of palliative care, the importance of honest conversations and the extraordinary people who dedicate their lives to supporting others. Whether you have personal experience of hospice care, are caring for a loved one, or simply want to better understand palliative care, Corinna's reflections will leave you feeling informed, reassured and inspired. Listen to Episode 2 of The Hospice Heart and discover why palliative care is not just about end of life, but about helping people live well, stay connected and focus on what matters most.  

For the first episode of The Hospice Heart, host Ryan Curtis sits down with someone who holds a special place in his family's story. Poppy Jehan, Senior Staff Nurse on the ward at Saint Francis Hospice, cared for Ryan's mum, Ann, during her time at the hospice. Their conversation offers a unique and personal perspective on hospice care, bringing together a nurse who supported a family through one of life's most difficult experiences and a son whose life was changed by that care. In this honest and heartfelt episode, Poppy shares what inspired her to pursue a career in palliative care and reflects on nearly nine years of supporting people and families through some of life's most challenging moments. Together, Ryan and Poppy explore some of the biggest misconceptions about hospice care. Like many people, Ryan's mum initially viewed hospices as places people went to die. But through her experience at Saint Francis Hospice, she discovered something very different: a place focused on comfort, dignity, quality of life and making every moment count. One of the most moving parts of the conversation is Poppy's insight into the relationships hospice teams build with the people they care for and the loved ones around them. She speaks openly about the importance of seeing every person as an individual and understanding that no two families experience illness, caregiving, or grief in the same way. Listeners will also hear how hospice care can help loved ones step back from being carers and simply be daughters, sons, partners and loved ones again, knowing the person they care about is in safe hands. Reflecting on what hospice care has taught her about life, Poppy shares: "It's not made me scared of dying. It's made me realise that it's something that happens to everyone, and it makes you realise you've got to live your life and take every moment as you can." Warm, compassionate and full of insight, this debut episode offers an uplifting introduction to the people at the heart of Saint Francis Hospice and the difference they make every day. Whether you have personal experience of hospice care or simply want to understand more about what really happens inside a hospice, this episode is a powerful reminder that hospice care is not about giving up. It's about living well, finding moments of joy and ensuring nobody faces difficult times alone.