During 2009/10 a poignant story of mutual support and trust came to a conclusion in the form of a gift to St Wilfrid’s, written in the Will of one of our supporters - Ronald Hodges.

Ronald, who was a well known character in the Polegate area, was a railway man all his life and devoted member of the congregation of St John’s Church. He married Lilian (Lily) in 1935 and they lived happily together until Lilian’s death in 1985. Their near 50 years of marriage was crowned by the birth of their only child Marilyn (Lyn) in 1937. Lily suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chronic Renal failure and was nursed by Ronald in her last years.

Lyn, who was a Christian Missionary, left her work to come home and care for Ronald, but tragedy was to strike him again when Lyn was diagnosed with terminal cancer and he lost her to that illness in 2003 at the age of 66. Ronald was helped by St Wilfrid’s with Lyn’s nursing, both as an In-patient and with the help of the Hospice at Home team, and was grateful for the support that he received. His tragic loss made him a supporter of the hospice over the next few years, until he too passed away in November 2008.

St Wilfrid’s administered his estate on behalf of the legatees and was to benefit with a 1/3 share of the residue. Many who knew Ronald, and were his friends, attended his funeral and spoke of a noble man and true gentleman, who in his suffering, wanted the relief of the suffering of others to be his legacy. A bench to their memory can be seen in the grounds of St John’s Church Polegate and he will always be remembered as a friend of many and a beneficiary of the Hospice here at St Wilfrid’s.

Ronald, like many others, who leave St Wilfrid’s gifts in their Wills, make it possible for us to provide that medical and nursing care which we hope to give free to as many as possible who need it.

Need more information?

For more information about leaving a gift in your Will to St Wilfrid’s Hospice please contact John Summers, Legacies and Tribute Funds Manager Tel: 01323 637865

Email: john.summers@stwhospice.org