When Pauline McGahey met Davide, she knew she had found something special.

“As soon as we met, Davide swooped me off my feet. He was my 6ft, Italian knight in shining armour!”

Years later, when Davide became seriously ill, Ardgowan Hospice was there to support them both through this difficult time. Davide received care at home and on the inpatient unit, while Pauline was supported by Linda from the Wellbeing Team as she navigated the challenges of caring for her partner.

During this period, Pauline was also diagnosed with cancer. Alongside caring responsibilities and coping with Davide’s illness, she was undergoing treatment herself. Ardgowan Hospice’s transport service helped her attend hospital appointments and chemotherapy sessions, ensuring she could access the care she needed at an incredibly difficult time.

Following Davide’s death, Pauline found herself struggling with grief and unsure of how to move forward. It was then that she joined Ardgowan Hospice’s Bereavement Group.

“I thought I was broken. If I didn’t go to the bereavement group, I’d still be completely lost and in a very dark place.”

The weekly sessions quickly became a source of comfort and stability.

“Knowing I was attending the group each week made me feel safe. It was our own peaceful paradise where we could talk, laugh and/or cry.”

For Pauline, one of the most valuable aspects of the group was learning more about grief itself and understanding that many of the emotions and physical symptoms she was experiencing were a natural part of the grieving process.

“I found it so beneficial learning the science behind grief and the effects it has not only on your mind, but your body too. The skills we learned, I’ve continued to use moving forward.”

The supportive environment created by the Hospice team allowed everyone attending to share their experiences at their own pace.

“You could share as much or as little as you wanted to. There was never any pressure.”

“There was also never any ‘competition’ within the group, either. Everyone’s situation and reason for being there was respected and received with the same kindness from the Ardgowan Hospice staff and the rest of the group.”

As the six-week programme came to an end, Pauline found herself reluctant to say goodbye.

“I was sad when we reached the end of the six weeks! Luckily, the rest of the group felt the same, so we have actually stayed in touch and continue to support each other now as friends.”

Looking back, Pauline reflects on how far she has come and the role Ardgowan Hospice played in helping her rebuild her life after loss.

“I can’t thank Ardgowan Hospice enough for everything they have brought back to my life. For a while, I was a shell of my former self, avoiding as much of life as possible. Now, though, I am looking forward to the future and excited to see where life takes me next.”

At Ardgowan Hospice, we know that grief does not end when a loved one dies. Through our bereavement services, wellbeing support and compassionate care, we are here to help people find hope, connection and strength during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Pauline‘s journey is a powerful reminder that while grief can feel overwhelming, nobody has to face it alone. Davide’s family in Italy would also like to pass on their gratitude and thanks to everyone involved in his care.

Thank you to Pauline for her kindness, bravery and for allowing us to share her Ardgowan Hospice story.

Are you bereaved and living in Inverclyde?

When a loved one dies, it can be a challenging, lonely and emotional time.

Group bereavement sessions offer a safe and therapeutic environment for people to talk and learn, through sharing experiences with others.💜

We offer regular 6-session blocks of bereavement support, facilitated by an experienced bereavement counsellor.

These sessions will help you to:

-Share your experiences with others in a similar situation

-Help you find ways to move forward with life and still maintain bonds with your loved one

-Help you make sense of your feelings

-Get information about other local services available to you

There will be a maximum of 12 people in each block of 6 sessions.

If you would like to attend these sessions, or put your name on the waiting list for one of the next blocks, please call us on 01475 305401 or email us at wellbeing@ardgowanhospice.org