In our final feature in our 12 Days of Christmas campaign highlighting the work of East Lancashire Hospice we are introducing you to the hospice Medical Director, Dr Karen Hogarth

Dr Hogarth started her hospice journey when she volunteered at Bolton Hospice whilst in sixth form which was where she found her love of palliative care although she knew from just age of 12 that she wanted to be a doctor.

During Dr Hogarth’s 12 years of training, five in medical school, four in hospitals and then three GP training, part of which was a placement in East Lancashire Hospice, started a passion to help patients with a terminal diagnosis to ‘Make the Most of Life’

Dr Hogarth said: “People often say to me I don’t know how you do your job and yes, it can be incredibly challenging and emotional but it is an honour to be able to help people who have let you into their lives, usually when they are at their most vulnerable.

“I am able to do this because I am part of an amazing team who all work together to achieve the goals and make sure that the patient is at the centre of everything we do, whether its making someone smile or making them more comfortable, allowing some quality time with their loved ones, every patient has their own individual goal.

“A patient allowing you into their lives and allowing you to listen to their story and what is important to them is a privilege.

“We all shed tears at times and the day I stop doing that will mean this is no longer the job for me but being told ‘I can now die happy’ means I have been able to achieve something really important for them.

“These past 18 months have been very difficult for everyone, but the strength and support from our patients, loved ones and our fantastic community has allowed us to continue to do what we do and I can’t thank everyone enough for that.”

East Lancashire Hospice is grateful to the following local companies who have supported the 12 Days of Christmas campaign: The Cardboard Box Company Ltd, Blackburn Chemicals Ltd, Lock & Key Estate Agents, Fresh Perspective Resourcing, C S H Transport & Forwarding Ltd, Nybble Information Systems and Ronset Printers Ltd

If you would like to support East Lancashire Hospice this Christmas by making a donation, you can do so by visiting www.eastlancshospice.org.uk/christmas or by calling 01254 287014