“It’s about living well with illness — about managing life”

Sona Uppal explains how St Luke’s is not just about end of life care, but about helping people live well with illness — a message at the heart of this year’s Hospice Care Week.

When Sona Uppal’s mum, Tarlochan, was asked about a referral to St Luke’s Hospice, the family were surprised — she didn’t have a terminal illness and still had many years ahead.

They soon learned that palliative care also supports people with long-term conditions who need help managing pain.

“People think palliative care is end of life. It’s not. It’s about living well with illness — about managing life. Many people don’t actually know that.”

Tarlochan, from Kingbury, had lived with Parkinson’s disease for 10 years. She was always fit, active and busy — but over time, her condition changed that. About two years ago, she was referred to St Luke’s Hospice.

“At first, we thought palliative care meant end of life,” Sona said. “But St Luke’s explained it’s also there to help people manage long-term illness. They help you live with your condition.”

From 6–12 October 2025, St Luke’s is joining over 200 hospices across the UK to celebrate Hospice Care Week with Hospice UK. This year’s theme is “Hospice care is more than you think.”

Sona’s story is a powerful reminder of that message — showing how hospice care supports people through life, not just at the end of it.

With regular visits and therapies, St Luke’s supported both Tarlochan and her family in ways that made everyday life more manageable and meaningful.

“They were always very welcoming and compassionate,” Sona said. “Mum had massages and foot therapy, which really helped her. There were services for me too, as her carer, and the chance to talk one-to-one if I needed to.”

Even on tough days, when Tarlochan didn’t feel well, St Luke’s made a difference.

“Sometimes she didn’t want to leave home,” Sona remembered, “but if I said we were going to St Luke’s, she’d come. By the time we left, she always felt better.”

Sona’s young daughter, Aaria, often came with them — joining in with painting sessions and concerts.

“She always felt welcome there,” Sona said. “It’s been a peaceful place for us.”

When Tarlochan died suddenly in March, Sona returned to the hospice.

“They invited me in for a chat,” she said. “It was just nice — they knew us.”

This week would have been Tarlochan’s 80th birthday. To mark the occasion, the family placed a memorial brick at Kenton Grange — a simple but lasting tribute to a much-loved mum.

“They were happy to place the brick themselves,” Sona said, “but I thought it would be nice to make it an occasion, a fitting way to celebrate what would have been my mother’s 80th birthday.”

Now, with her name set in stone in the Memorial Garden, the family has a peaceful place to return to — full of comfort and love.

Every therapy session, every carer conversation, every peaceful moment that Sona and her family experienced was made possible by generous people like you.

Your support helps us show that hospice care isn’t just about dying — it’s about helping people live well for as long as possible.