'We cherish life' Call for more state funding for hospices

Sitting at his wife's bedside, Len* was grateful that she was in the care of end-of-life experts in her last days.

- Harriet Sherwood

In the softly lit, tranquil room, he could spend as much time with Adela* as possible, staying overnight on a pull-out bed if he wanted to, while waiting for her inevitable release from cancer.

"We were told in July that chemo was no longer working and her life was now limited," he said. At home, Adela had become "weaker and weaker". Eventually, it was suggested that she be admitted to St Joseph's hospice in Hackney, east London.

Neither had been inside a hospice before. Despite the circumstances, Len was comfortable with their decision. "To be honest, it's like being in the best private hospital," he said. "She is getting the best care possible."

The role of hospices such as St Joseph's has become a key part of the debate on whether to legalise assisted dying.