8 Apr 2026 Patient and Family Stories

Sisters Share Powerful Story of Care, Love and Lasting Connection with The Kirkwood

For sisters Julie Lawton and Lindsay Salvini, their connection to The Kirkwood began at one of the most difficult times in their lives. When their mum, Margaret, was diagnosed with lung cancer, the months that followed were filled with uncertainty, responsibility and emotional strain. But through that experience, they found not only support, but a place that would change their lives forever.

Now, after Margaret was cared for at The Kirkwood, Julie and Lindsay are determined to give back, sharing their story to help others understand the vital role hospice care plays across Kirklees.

Lindsay explained how their journey with The Kirkwood began: “My connection with The Kirkwood is that our mum came into The Kirkwood in September last year 2025 and stayed here for just under nine weeks. She passed away while she was in the hospice on the 10th of November. So we’ve come to know it through that.”

Margaret had been living with COPD for over 20 years, but her diagnosis of lung cancer marked a significant turning point. Lindsay said: “Mum was diagnosed with lung cancer in February of last year. She’d had COPD for many years prior to that, which is a life limiting illness, but she’d coped very well with that and lived a very full life.”

As her condition worsened, the family found themselves struggling to cope at home. Julie recalled the moment everything changed: “It was Bank Holiday Sunday, nowhere was open and my mum wasn’t herself. We were desperate and I just said, ‘I’m going to ring the hospice.’ They were brilliant. They talked me through what to do, and from that moment the relationship with The Kirkwood began.” Lindsay added: “We felt a little bit on our own and we weren’t getting the support we needed. They spoke to us straight away, followed up the week after like they said they would, and that’s really how everything started.”

After initial support at home, including visits from a palliative care nurse, Margaret was admitted to The Kirkwood to help manage her pain. Although the original plan was for her to return home, her condition meant she needed ongoing care. Julie said: “When Debs said, ‘I’m going to admit her,’ the biggest feeling was relief. We had gone from trying to manage everything ourselves to knowing she was in safe hands. We were here every day, but we knew when we walked away, she was being looked after.”

Before their experience, both sisters admitted they didn’t fully understand what hospice care involved: “I really only thought it was end of life care,” Julie said. “Even though I knew of The Kirkwood, I didn’t understand the extent of what they could offer.”

For Lindsay, stepping through the doors for the first time was an emotional moment, but one that quickly changed her perception: “I had never been into the building before. We were all very nervous and upset, but when we walked in, I couldn’t have been more surprised. Everyone was laughing and joking, the staff were so warm and friendly, it was completely different to what I had expected.”

The sisters described a profound sense of relief once Margaret was admitted, not just physically, but emotionally too. Lindsay explained: “We went from making decisions about medication that we weren’t qualified to make, to being able to hand that over to people who knew exactly what they were doing. That meant we could just be daughters again.” Julie added: “That switch was everything. Instead of being carers, we could sit and chat, do jigsaws, read while she slept, just spend time together. After everything we’d been through, that was so important.”

Throughout her nine week stay, Margaret formed strong bonds with the staff around her. Julie said: “She was very independent and quite feisty, but the staff had a way of letting her feel independent while still caring for her. Jude and Diane were amazing, and Hannah the counsellor just kept showing up until Mum eventually spoke to her. They understood her in a way we couldn’t.”

Lindsay also reflected on the small but meaningful touches that made such a difference: “The kitchen staff were incredible. From the moment she arrived, they were asking what she wanted and making things especially for her because she struggled to swallow. It was all tailored to her, and you just don’t see that everywhere.”

One particularly special moment stayed with the family: “An occupational therapist spent time talking to Mum about her life and then wrote a poem about it,” Lindsay said: “It was so moving, and we actually read it at her funeral. It was such a lovely, unexpected thing.”

As Margaret’s condition progressed, the emotional weight of the situation remained heavy but the support they received helped carry them through: “In an 84 year life, nine months is nothing,” Lindsay reflected: “It’s not long to come to terms with what’s happening. I don’t think Mum ever really did, but the care she received made everything easier for us.”

For Julie, the experience also changed her relationship with her mum in those final weeks: “My nature is to take control and look after everyone, but Mum didn’t always want that. When she came into The Kirkwood, I didn’t have to be that person anymore. I could just be her daughter again, and that gave us a really special time together.”

After Margaret’s death, the sisters initially felt a deep sense of loss, not just for their mum, but for the place that had become part of their daily lives.

Julie said: “When we walked out, we looked at each other and said, ‘That’s it, we’re not part of it anymore.’ It left me bereft not coming here every day.” But that wasn’t the end of their connection: “We started coming back for afternoon tea, we got involved in fundraising and volunteering, and the staff still know us and welcome us,” Julie said. She continued: “You really feel part of something special.”

Lindsay added: “It’s strange to say, but it became a happy place for us in such a difficult time. The memories we have are of warmth, kindness and incredible care.”

Now, both sisters are passionate about raising awareness and supporting the hospice for the future: “I think The Kirkwood is vital to Kirklees,” Lindsay said. “It’s a resource that not enough people know about, and everyone deserves access to that level of care.”

Julie added: “We are now doing everything we can to give back. I’m Lady Captain at the golf club this year and The Kirkwood is my chosen charity. We want to raise as much as we can because we know how important it is.”

Reflecting on their journey, both sisters are clear about the lasting impact The Kirkwood has had on their lives: “It made the hardest time in our lives easier. And now it’s changed my life again because I want to help others understand how amazing it is.”

Lindsay agreed: “The Kirkwood changed my life by making something so difficult bearable. It gave us comfort, support and memories we’ll always hold onto.”

If this story has inspired or resonated with you, please click HERE to make a regular donation to our cause and help us to care for those people with a life limiting illness in Kirklees.