Wrexham woman reflects on lifelong connection to Nightingale House

A Wrexham woman whose involvement with a local hospice has spanned decades has reflected on the vital role it has played in her life.

Pam Valentine, who has spent most of her life dedicated to both her legal career and the community, began her journey with hospice care in the late 1980s when her father sadly passed away from cancer.

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 less than three years later Pam’s husband, Phillip, became a patient at the hospice after receiving his own diagnosis.

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 aged just seven and eight years at the time.

“After Phillip died, we all received support from the hospice,” explained Pam.

Phillip, Matthew, Ben and Pam Valentine

Over the years Pam’s relationship with Nightingale House 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.

Pam said the organisation became a “source of strength” and has helped with her rehabilitation through hydrotherapy.

“Nightingale House is all about living,” said Pam.

“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.”

She added: “The building is a vehicle to deliver the services, and it’s a very nice building, especially since the modernisation project.

“But the building would not be anything without the people.

“It’s the people who make this place special, with their care, time, and attention.”