Mum in hospice treated to brunch surprise from favourite cafe

A mother who was too ill to fulfill her special wish of eating at her favourite cafe with her daughter was treated to a special surprise - as the eatery delivered brunch to her hospice.

Jean Neal, an in-patient at Pendleside Hospice, had a number of wishes, including to have her favourite meal at Dempsey's Cafe in Burnley, Lancashire, with her daughter Hayley.

However, a few days before she was set to go, it became clear that she would be too ill to leave the hospice, so instead it was decided to bring the cafe to Jean.

Cafe owner Mark Dempsey said he knew Jean well and she had been "a regular at our restaurant from the start, so I was more than happy to bring her favourite dish."

So this week, the 65-year-old enjoyed her favourite cappuccino, french toast and fruit crumble with extra custard from her hospice bed with her daughter.

Mark said the cafe forms "strong relationships" with those living in the hospice's apartments and many local residents had also sent their best wishes to her.

"It means a lot for us to fulfill one of Jean's wishes," he added.

Jean's daughter Hayley, 43, said the visit really cheered her mother up.

"It brought so much joy to her to see the guys again and to have her favourite brunch delivered," Hayley said.

"She was really happy and touched by it, as it was so sweet and it made her day."

Hayley, who works in South Korea as a teacher, said the hospice always put her at ease when she is away, knowing her mother is being cared for so well.

"It's such a special place," she said.

"The nurses are so kind and caring, and I just know that she is in good hands.

"They've just done so well to help bring care and joy and a really good quality of life for her."

Hayley said Jean, who has stage four cancer, is still "fighting" and that the "love, support and care she's received has extended the journey for her".

"She's been able to spend this time seeing lots of loved ones and receiving lots of loving care from people around her," she continued.

"I think that's a thank you to Pendleside Hospice."

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