A North Derbyshire man is giving his time to the hospice that cared for his wife, returning each week to the gardens where he first decided he wanted to volunteer.
Tony Allanson, 72, from Chesterfield, started volunteering at Ashgate Hospice in April this year, just months after his wife Linda died at the hospice.
His story is being shared as Ashgate joins hospices across the UK for Hospice Care Week, which runs from 5 to 11 October.
This year’s theme, Don’t leave hospice care to chance, highlights the importance of ensuring people can access high-quality hospice care wherever they live.
Tony first thought about volunteering while Linda was attending Ashgate’s Day Services. While she was inside, he took a walk around the gardens and got chatting to one of the volunteers.
“I thought then that I should volunteer,” said Tony.
Linda was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November 2024, aged 70, and was told from the outset that her cancer was terminal.
After chemotherapy made her very unwell, she decided not to continue with treatment and instead focused on managing her symptoms and living as well as possible.
Tony and Linda met at work in 1975 and married two years later, on Linda’s birthday. They had been together for almost 50 years when
Linda died, aged 71, in October 2025.
Linda began attending Ashgate’s Day Services every Tuesday from May 2025. Tony says it quickly became something she looked forward to each week.
“She quickly made friends there, with both the nurses and other patients.
“She got involved in chair exercises, quizzes and had massages, but mainly took part in the art and craft sessions.
“Day Services gave her something to look forward to every week. Being able to smile and have a laugh with others really did her good,” said Tony.
The support was important for Tony too, giving him the opportunity to talk to the team about Linda’s pain relief and any concerns he had.
“We both found all the staff so kind and helpful,” he said.
One of Tony’s favourite memories is of Linda with her friend Chris, who she met through Day Services.
“Chris was usually covered in paint when they came out of the craft sessions and they really had a good laugh together, despite the circumstances,” he said.
As Linda’s illness progressed, she needed more support and was cared for on Ashgate’s Inpatient Unit during the final eight days of her life.
Tony said the care Linda received meant a great deal to the whole family.
“The care she received for those eight days was exceptional.
“Everyone was so kind, thoughtful and helpful – from the nurses in Day Services who called in to see her, the doctors who saw her, the nurses, catering and cleaning staff.
“I stayed over a few nights and was always made to feel welcome, as were my children and Linda’s brother, who also visited regularly,” said Tony.
In Linda’s final days, she was no longer able to communicate, and Tony could tell she was in pain only when she grimaced.
“Help with pain relief was always there quickly. I honestly don’t know how I would have coped without Ashgate,” he said.
Tony has always enjoyed gardening and, after retiring from a career working in offices, spent more time outdoors growing flowers, fruit and vegetables at home.
So when he saw the opportunity to volunteer in Ashgate’s gardens, it felt like a natural way to give something back.
Each Friday, Tony works alongside Head Gardener Steve and fellow volunteer Peter, helping with everything from clearing weeds and keeping paths tidy to caring for the wider gardens.
“Ashgate looked after Linda when she needed help and it is only right that I give something back.
“And that is where Linda passed. I like to be close to where she was,” said Tony.
Tony says volunteering has also given him a sense of belonging and a way to remain connected to the hospice that supported him and Linda.
“I’m happy to help in whatever way I can. At least I’m in the garden and providing some help in the overall scheme.
“I am proud to be part of the Ashgate team, albeit in a small way.
“I know Linda was always proud of what we had both achieved in life, particularly coming from a very humble background, and I am sure she would be proud of what I am doing now,” he said.
There are lots of ways to get involved with Ashgate, from volunteering and fundraising to supporting one of the charity’s shops.
Find out more about volunteering at www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/volunteering.
