The call came late on Wednesday in September 2025: Derriford Hospital had the high-dependency bed that Mum would need after her seven-hour Whipple surgery; her operation would be first thing on Monday morning.

There was lots of praying from us as the phone rang at Hearts Together, which we'd read about as an option for Dad and me to stay in until Mum could be discharged. Up to that point, without an operation date, there had been no point in booking anything anywhere.

Mum was likely to be in hospital for two weeks, but longer if there were complications with her recovery, which was very possible following such major surgery. We live over an hour away on a good run - by car, and there was no way I wanted to be that far away if anything were to happen to Mum. I didn't even want to leave her overnight!

Our prayers were answered, though: there was one single room available for the full two weeks, and another that might need to be vacated early. We took the latter and were blessed that this didn't end up being the case.

After Mum went down for surgery, the wait to hear from the surgeon was agonising, but the comfort provided by Hearts Together made it much easier to bear. We got settled in, had a coffee on the balcony above the trees, and tried to stay calm!

I had seriously underestimated how tiring it is not being the patient! So it was such a blessing that we could walk between the hotel and the hospital in no time, particularly when we had some late nights during the early stages of Mum's recovery.

The facilities at the hotel were a godsend. Being able to have breakfast, cook a meal, wash clothes, and park the car took away so much worry, distraction, and additional effort. In fact, so much positivity came out of that anxious, fraught, and scary time, and Hearts Together was instrumental in that. We had an unexpected sanctuary among the trees and deer; a place to wash, do laundry, eat, commune, or simply sit quietly. Oh, and to sleep!

Most unexpected but welcome of all, we made good friends with a couple who were in a similar situation to us and with whom we continue to keep in touch. One had a loved one in the same hospital ward, while the other was staying at the same hotel. Good things really can come out of difficult and horrible times.

We all truly appreciate the special service, support, and relief that Hearts Together provides. Thank you!