Teesside Hospice a ‘second home’ for former nurse and family

A woman from Middlesbrough has shared how the hospice where her mam once worked became a ‘second home’ during the end of her life.

Pauline Morris worked at Teesside Hospice as a Support Nurse for 22 years, caring for thousands of patients during her time and building life-long friendships.

But in 2025, Pauline was sadly diagnosed with cancer and the place where she had spent the majority of her career became the place where she spent her final weeks, receiving round the clock care on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit.

Now, Pauline’s daughter Genna is sharing her mam’s story as part of Teesside Hospice’s Light Up A Life campaign, where the charity invites the local community to remember loved ones who are no longer with us with a special dedication.

Genna shared: “Mum was diagnosed with cancer in 2025, and she immediately wanted to be cared for at Teesside Hospice.

“It was mum's second home. She already knew about the incredible care her former colleagues gave to everyone who walked through the doors.

“Mum's old stories about working there became real within hours of her being admitted. We had complete peace of mind that she'd receive amazing care, 24 hours a day.

“We could visit whenever we wanted and that flexibility gave us everything we needed. For my dad, knowing he could come at any hour, it seems like such a small thing but it helps so much at a time like this.

“We call the staff our 'Hospice Angels’, and that's everyone from the cleaners to the doctors, reception to the nurses. Every single person gives you the warmest smile or hug, and the comfort you need at the hardest time.”

Christmas was Pauline’s favourite time of year and now, Genna and her family are finding new ways to carry Pauline’s favourite traditions forward. This includes joining others in Teesside in remembering Pauline through Light Up A Life.

Genna continued: "Mum's motto was always 'don't take life too seriously, because life's serious enough. Her humour and her outlook helped us understand what was happening to her, and is how we remember her, especially at Christmas.

“We have supported Light Up a Life as a family for many years, remembering all the loved ones we have lost. Last year was our first year without mum, and now this year will be no different.”

Through the appeal, which is sponsored by Rose Funerals, Teesside Hospice is inviting the community to remember loved ones who are no longer with us with a special dedication this Christmas.

For anyone who’d like to be involved in Light Up A Life, the hospice will provide a dedication card for your loved one, which will be placed on the Christmas tree outside of the hospice on Northgate Road. Their name will also feature in the Light Up A Life Book of Memories, which is kept in the Reflection Room at the hospice.

Scott Hill, Relationship Giving Manager at Teesside Hospice said: “We’re so grateful to Genna and the family for sharing their memories of Pauline and supporting Light Up A Life this Christmas.

“The festive season can be a difficult time for people who have lost loved ones or are going through difficult times, but we hope that through Light Up A Life, we can bring the community together and share special memories.”

To remember those who are no longer with us, the hospice will be hosting three services across the Tees Valley next month: Friday 12th December at St Barnabas’ Church in Linthorpe; Saturday 12th December at St Peter’s Church in Redcar; and Sunday 13th December at the hospice on Northgate Road in Linthorpe.

The public can also leave their dedications at the hospice’s community trees, which will be placed in Coulby Newham Parkway Centre and the Hillstreet Centre from 19th and 20th November respectively.

Scott added: “By making a voluntary donation with your dedication, you can make a huge difference in helping our team be there for patients and families who need us this Christmas, ensuring they have access to the best care and can make the most of the time they have.

“Thank you to everyone who has joined us in lighting up a life so far.”

To find out more about Light Up A Life and how to make your dedication, visit www.teessidehospice.org/events/light-up-a-life-2026/