I got to know Hayley when she spent time with us at the Hospice of St Francis. Hayley was much younger than most of our patients and for that reason she stood out. However, this wasn’t the main reason that Hayley will be remembered. She really was a remarkable young lady. Hayley had a real spark, a lovely personality and the ability to always make a person feel better for having visited her.

One of my lasting memories of Hayley will be singing carols outside her room. She seemed to enjoy this, although the standard of our efforts may have been questionable. I simply remember that, like a lot of things, the carol singing provided the opportunity for a laugh and some banter with Hayley. After we had sung she clapped and, on behalf of the group, I took a bow.

Well today Hayley, on behalf of everyone at the hospice, I’d like to say that you can take a bow – for the way you lived right up to the end, for the love you shared with your family and friends and for the way you brightened our lives. We salute you!