A NEW Christmas campaign film from The Shakespeare Hospice shares the story of a much-loved husband, dad and granddad from Kenilworth, and the care his family received when he chose to die at home.
The film captures the compassion and skill of the Hospice at Home team, who supported Henry Kavanagh and his family through the last few weeks of his life. They describe the care as “a blanket of reassurance” – a warmth that wrapped around the whole family when life changed forever.
Steven, Henry’s son, said: “It was like a blanket of reassurance put around the family. You don’t understand how unsung these people are. We couldn’t have done it without them.”
Rebecca, Henry’s daughter, continued: “One of the nurses actually hugged me for about ten minutes, which probably was nothing to them, but it was so much to me. The care that the Shakespeare Hospice give, not only just to my family, but to every single family, is unbelievable.”
But this story goes beyond medical care. Henry’s family also received ongoing help from the Hospice’s Children and Family Support Services, offering emotional support, counselling, and space to grieve – ensuring that care continued long after Henry’s death.
The campaign asks – What would our community do if that blanket wasn’t there?
With only 12 per cent of its funding coming from the NHS, The Shakespeare Hospice depends on voluntary donations to continue providing specialised care, free of charge to everyone who needs it – whether that’s at home, in the hospice, or through family support.
Tracey Sheridan, chief executive officer at The Shakespeare Hospice, added: “Henry’s story shows what hospice care truly means – not just expert medical support, but emotional and practical care for the whole family. Our Hospice at Home and Family Support teams provide comfort, safety, dignity and reassurance at the toughest times. This campaign is about community – protecting something precious together. Hospice care is part of our health system, and it can only stay strong with the support of the people it serves.”
The campaign invites the public to “Be Part of the Blanket of Reassurance” by donating, fundraising, or sharing the film to help others understand the vital role hospice care plays in every community.
Visit youtu.be/HR2C0Qfp_oI to watch the video.
Visit TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/ChristmasAppeal to donate.
