Seven months after Ken’s death, Vicky and her family will honour his memory by tying a ribbon in Mountbatten’s garden. “For me, it’s about remembering Dad and all the good times we shared, even in the midst of sadness,” she says. “Tying a ribbon is also a way to say thank you to the staff who made such a difference to our family.”

When Ken was dying, Mountbatten Hampshire became a lifeline for Vicky Amos and her family. Ken was a family man through and through—proud of his grandchildren, always ready with a joke, and happiest when surrounded by those he loved. When Ken’s health declined due to a complex medical history, the family faced difficult decisions about his care.

“Dad was a real home man,” Vicky shares. “He wanted to be at home, but his pain became too much to manage.” When the hospital suggested a short stay at Mountbatten Hospice for symptom management, Ken was unsure.

But from the moment Ken arrived at Mountbatten, the difference was clear. “They looked beyond his diagnoses and saw him as a person,” Vicky says. “The nurses and doctors were brilliant, picking up on subtle changes and keeping us informed every step of the way.”

Mountbatten’s care was about more than just medicine. The staff brought warmth and normality to Ken’s final weeks. They joined in with his jokes, made sure he had his daily cappuccino, and even prepared a fish finger sandwich at 3am, if he wanted one. The family dog, Reg, was welcomed for visits, and the team encouraged the family to spend time together—doing crosswords, looking through old photo albums, and simply being present.

Beyond the direct care for Ken, Mountbatten also provided invaluable support to the entire family. Vicky's sister, Sam, found comfort in knowing that Mountbatten’s team were there not just for Ken but for all of them. Wendy, Ken's partner, appreciated the staff checking in with her regularly, ensuring she felt supported during a difficult time.

“Mountbatten gave us the chance to be a family again,” Vicky says. “For months, my sister and I had been focused on Dad’s care, but at the hospice, we could relax and enjoy precious moments with him.”

After six weeks on the inpatient unit, Ken's condition plateaued. While he was stable, it became clear that he needed ongoing nursing care that extended beyond what Mountbatten could provide.

Mountbatten’s team guided the family in finding a suitable nursing home with a palliative care bed, helping them understand what to look for in a care facility, providing information about continuing care options, and ensuring a smooth transition for Ken. “We were hand-held the whole way through the process, which was brilliant,” recalls Vicky.

Even after Ken moved to the nursing home, the staff at Mountbatten checked in regularly, offering support and reassurance to the family. "Knowing Dad was in a safe, caring environment gave us so much peace of mind," Vicky reflects. "We're so grateful for everything Mountbatten did to help us."

This summer, Vicky and her family will return to Mountbatten Hampshire to remember Ken and reconnect with the positive experiences they shared during his time there.

"There's something special about tying a ribbon in Mountbatten's garden,” Vicky explains. “It's not just about the memories of Dad, but about the memories we made here, in this place that provided so much comfort and support.”

The act of tying a ribbon is more than a symbol. It’s a way to honour and connect with those we love, and to continue the work of Mountbatten Hampshire.

Every ribbon dedicated in Mountbatten’s garden this summer, and every donation made, helps ensure that no one in our community faces death, dying, or bereavement alone.

Join Vicky to dedicate a ribbon, donate, and help Mountbatten continue to be there for every Hampshire family who needs us.

Donate and dedicate a ribbon now to help other families like Vicky's who need Mountbatten.