Whilst many students across the country celebrated their graduations this summer, for hospice patient Debbie, graduation day looked a little different.
In 2022, aged 54, Debbie began studying her Masters in Comedy Script Writing at Falmouth University. Two years later, she achieved her Master’s degree with Distinction.
Debbie was admitted to the Inpatient Unit at Michael Sobell House in Northwood in August 2025 to receive support for her cancer symptoms.
Due to chemotherapy treatment, Debbie sadly missed her university graduation, so the hospice hosted a celebration in the garden earlier this summer to help her mark the occasion in a deeply personal way.
They transformed the gazebo into a graduation space, and Debbie, now 57, dressed in her gown and mortar board, proudly holding her graduation certificate. She was surrounded by her mum, sister Suzie, and members of the team who all enjoyed tea, cake and prosecco.
Sadly, Debbie passed away just a few weeks after her graduation on Saturday, August 16.
The hospice told NORTHWOOD&RUISLIPnews in October that Debbie’s spirits were lifted and core memories were made for her family and friends.
Talking to NORTHWOOD&RUISLIPnews, Suzie described Debbie as: “Happy go lucky, funny, scatty, lovable, so very kind and caring, selfless, unpredictable at times, different in many ways, unique and creative.”
To donate or find out more about the hospice, visit www.harlingtonhospice.org/donate
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