Wrexham resident Pam Valentine has spent most of her life dedicated to both her legal career and the community she calls home. But her deepest connection lies with Nightingale House Hospice, a beacon of hope and care for families facing life-limiting illnesses. 

Pam’s journey with hospice care began in the late 1980s when her father passed away from cancer. Reflecting on this difficult time, Pam said: “I understood the importance of having a place like a hospice and how beneficial it would be for the community from my personal experience with my dad, and my mother being his primary carer at home.” 

This experience ignited Pam’s desire to help bring a hospice to Wrexham, leading her to join the efforts to establish Nightingale House.  

In 1996, the hospice opened its doors, offering essential care and comfort to those in need. But little did Pam know how closely intertwined her own life would become with this special place. 

Less than three years after Nightingale House opened, Pam’s husband, Phillip, became one of its patients. The hospice played an integral role in Phillip’s care, from the use of the day care centre to hydrotherapy sessions, and, when his condition worsened, Pam was able to stay with him overnight in the Inpatient Unit.

This support extended to their young sons, Matthew and Ben, who were just seven and eight years old at the time. 

Reflecting on the profound care her family received, Pam said: “After Phillip died, we all received support from the hospice.” 

Her bond with Nightingale House only deepened, leading her to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees, dedicating her time and expertise to the hospice’s mission.  

In 2023, Pam’s connection to the hospice came full circle when she was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Once again, Nightingale House became a source of strength for Pam, particularly through the support of the rehabilitation team, who have helped her maintain her core strength and fitness. 

“Hydrotherapy gives me focus. It makes me feel better, which is invaluable,” said Pam. The hospice’s holistic care approach also provided much-needed complementary therapies, helping Pam regain her strength and wellbeing. 

Through her experiences, Pam has come to understand that the Wrexham hospice is about so much more than just end-of-life care – it’s about living fully and making the most of every single day. 

Pam added: “Nightingale House is all about living. Apart from the obvious emotional support, we as a family have benefited in terms of the actual care that all of us have received. I think, in my case, I’ve contributed something worthwhile for the community by being a part of building the hospice from the start.” 

Pam’s story is a powerful reminder of the invaluable role hospices like Nightingale House play in our community. They provide compassionate care, not just for patients but for entire families.  

Reflecting on her own journey, Pam sums it up beautifully, saying: The building is a vehicle to deliver the services, and it’s a very nice building, especially since the modernisation project.  

“But no, the building would not be anything without the people. It’s the people who make this place special, with their care, time, and attention.” 

As Nightingale House Hospice continues to serve the people of Wrexham and beyond, Pam Valentine’s story stands as a testament to the lasting impact hospice care can have on families and the community as a whole.