A WIDOW from Sampford Arundel whose husband spent his final weeks at St Margaret’s Hospice is urging local people to consider leaving a gift in their will.

Vida Jackson’s husband, Nigel, was cared for at St Margaret’s Hospice after being diagnosed with an aggressive, inoperable cancer which had spread to his liver and lung.

Now, Vida has pledged a gift to St Margaret’s in her own will and is encouraging others to consider doing the same.

The hospice supports more than 5,000 people across Somerset each year, and it costs approximately £15 million annually for them to provide the specialist care.

With demand for its services rising, gifts left by supporters are playing an increasingly important role in protecting hospice care for future generations.

Vida and Nigel had been together for 29 years, sharing a love of travel.

Nigel and Vida were together for 29 years and loved to travel, getting married in New York.
Nigel and Vida were together for 29 years and loved to travel, getting married in New York. (Vida Jackson)

“He was my best friend,” said Vida. “We did everything together. He was the kindest, most thoughtful man I’d ever come across.”

Their lives changed in 2022 when Nigel began feeling unwell after returning from a holiday in Portugal. Tests revealed an aggressive cancer, with palliative care the only option. He was admitted to the hospice inpatient unit in October 2023.

“St Margaret’s were amazing,” Vida said. “I couldn’t have wished for better care. I could go home and get some sleep knowing that he was being cared for 24/7.

“The team were like angels on earth, right to the very end.”

After her experience she hopes others will consider pledging a gift too.

Committed giving manager at the hospice, Kim Gaylard, said, “Gifts of any size can make a difference.

“We understand that family and loved ones come first when you’re considering making your will, but any gift left to St Margaret’s will help us continue to be there for the next generation.”