The Peters’ Story

Dianne has been volunteering at our Kempshott shop for over six years. Always warm, caring, and full of energy, she’s a cherished member of the team and someone who evokes joy in everyone she meets.

Earlier this year, Dianne decided to take her support for St. Michael’s Hospice a step further. With encouragement from her husband Peter, she set herself a challenge. To walk 33 miles in 30 days, raising money to help fund a cuddle bed. A specially-designed bed that allows patients and their loved ones to lie side by side in comfort during their most difficult moments.

The idea came from a place of deep personal experience. Peter is being cared for at home by Dianne. Together, they know how vital closeness is, how something as simple as a cuddle can mean everything.

“We miss the luxury of a cuddle,” Peter shared. “So, we know how much being able to lay side by side would mean to others in this difficult situation.”

For Dianne, the absence of that closeness is felt every day.

A harsh reminder that she can’t do something as simple as lie next to Peter.

Peter, a former semi-professional footballer and manager with a long history in the sport, including time with Royal Air Force teams, Crystal Palace FC, and Basingstoke Town, brought his trademark humour to the challenge:

“I’m coaching and managing my wife Dianne (first time ever I’m in charge) and have set her a challenge of a 33-mile walk over 30 days – with free coaching and advice! No offside rule applies!”

As well as his footballing background, Peter also had a career as a graphic designer. He worked at Multitone Electronics and was part of the patent process and designed the pager case, a design still in use today! He’s an Arsenal fan and still enjoys watching the game – especially now, with flags decorating the fireplace and Dianne cheering at the screen beside him (despite once agreeing never to talk football after their first date!).

Dianne tells the story fondly. On their first date they made a deal, Peter wouldn’t talk about football, and Dianne wouldn’t bring up Des O’Connor, as neither were fans of the other’s great passion. But by their second date, dinner and a show in London, Peter was recognised several times by people wanting to talk football with him. He kept turning to Dianne apologetically. Now, years later, she finds herself occasionally swept up in the excitement of the game with him.

Dianne and Peter have been married for 35 years. “It’s easy, and has always been easy with Peter,” she says. “We try to keep things light even in hard times.” But Dianne is also honest about the challenges of being a full-time carer; the sadness of their current circumstances, and how much their lives have changed.

Peter now spends his days near the window, where he can watch the world go by. He’s made friends with the postman and some of their neighbours, something that brings him joy.

Although Dianne had to reduce her volunteering hours to support Peter, she still finds time to be at the Kempshott shop when she can. “It’s been so important for me,” she shares. “Being able to come in and talk to people, just being around others, has made such a difference.”

Peter has received care from our Hospice at Home team, and Dianne credits the team for a breakthrough. After seeing multiple doctors and nurses who were unable to ease Peter’s severe spasms, it was one of our nurses who immediately identified the right medication to help. “I don’t know what we would’ve done without it,” Dianne said. “It’s made such a difference.”

Together, the couple raised an incredible £1,180 – with Gift Aid on top! The support from their friends, family, and local community has been overwhelming. Their fundraising will help ensure other families can experience the comfort and closeness of a cuddle bed, in a time when every moment counts.

You can read more and support Dianne and Peter’s fundraiser here: www.justgiving.com/page/dianne-peters-1

Dianne and Peter’s story is a powerful reminder of how love, humour and hope can carry us through even our hardest moments and how every step taken in support of St. Michael’s Hospice makes a lasting difference