At 72, Bridget Fortum—better known as Penny—has lived a full and independent life in Weston, Southampton. But it is here, in the care of Mountbatten, that she has found something truly unexpected: a family.

For years, Penny endured chronic pain from spinal stenosis and fibromyalgia, but in early 2024, her health took a dramatic turn. She began experiencing paralysis down one side, a terrifying symptom that led to a referral to Wessex Neurology Centre. There, scans revealed six lesions on her frontal lobe and cancer at the back of her brain. A biopsy was scheduled, but before it could take place, Penny suffered a severe seizure and cardiac arrest. When she awoke in intensive care, she made the difficult but clear decision to put a Do Not Resuscitate order in place.

Without immediate family, Penny turned to her close-knit community of neighbours for support. However, her flat was no longer suitable for her care needs. That’s when she came to Mountbatten. “The thing I want most in the world now is to stay here,” she says. “I regard the people here as my family. I love them to the moon and back.”

Like many, Penny once had misconceptions about hospices. “I think it’s very important to educate people that they are not sad, scary places,” she explains. “Especially if you are terminal—they are amazing. You bond so quickly with people thanks to the wonderful café, the games, and the camaraderie.”

At Mountbatten, Penny has found a renewed sense of purpose and joy. The staff, who she describes as “fantastic” and full of humour, make even the most difficult moments feel easier. “It’s been the best part of my life – the end of it – because I know they're all there for me. They don’t see it as a job. I could never repay the kindness I’ve received, and they don’t expect me to.”

But Penny has found a way to give back: by leaving a gift in her Will to Mountbatten.

A gift in your Will ensures that Mountbatten Hampshire will be there to comfort and care for future generations. Your legacy will be the nurse who visits in the middle of the night, the medicine and equipment that brings comfort and dignity, and the bereavement support that helps loved ones rebuild their lives.

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