Natalie's Story

Natalie's story, as told by husband, Chris Sansom 

Nat was my wife for 25 years. Those years together were wondrous, eventful, magical, sometimes challenging but mostly so full of love. I was so proud to call myself her husband for a quarter of a century.  

Nat was, however, so much more than a wife. She was a loving daughter, an amazing mum to our two sons, a supportive auntie, a fiercely loyal friend and an incredibly committed and proud headteacher of her large primary school – a role she absolutely loved.  

It may sound cliché, but Nat always sought the joy in life. She was a glass-half-full person believing that anything was possible. 

I remember early in our relationship she told me she had always known she wanted to be a teacher, and ultimately a headteacher. She knew she could do anything if she decided that she wanted to - including being the Prime Minister! There was no arrogance in it, she simply believed in the possibilities life offered.  

In 2017, Nat was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time our boys were just ten and eight years old.  

Despite chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a mastectomy, Nat adopted what she called a “business as usual” approach. Her focus remained on the people she loved; our boys, her school community, her family and friends.  

That determination carried her through seven years of living with cancer. There were periods of remission, recurrence and eventually metastatic cancer affecting her bones and liver. But through it all, Nat remained determined to live her life fully.  

The support of St. Luke’s Hospice made that possible.  

At first, we simply reached out to the Hospice for advice and reassurance. The team were always there, gently reminding her that support was available whenever she needed it.  

When her disease progressed in 2021 and her oral chemotherapy meant that she had to have regular bisphosphonate infusions, it was such a relief to Nat that she could attend the Clinical Outpatient Service at the Hospice to receive these.  

Nat continued to work in her headteacher role throughout all stages of her treatment and to “pop to St. Luke’s”, as she referred to it, before then heading into school. These visits enabled her to continue to do the job she loved and to live and work at the pace and intensity that she wanted to. The environment at the Hospice was kind, calm and far less clinical than a hospital, and the staff became familiar, friendly faces she looked forward to seeing. I know it helped Nat feel that she was so much more than a cancer patient. 

The staff always gently reminded her that they were there for her whenever she needed to access services and Nat felt reassured having the safety blanket of the Hospice. It was enough for her for a while knowing that they were there.  

In early 2023, Nat was told that her cancer had progressed further and she would need to begin regular IV chemotherapy. Again, this meant that she required infusions and other support and the Hospice was there for her.  

Summer 2024 was a very challenging time in many ways, with Nat’s health deteriorating rapidly. Despite this she was adamant that would celebrate our eldest son’s GCSE results and our 25th wedding anniversary with a family party, continuing to make memories we can cherish forever. 

That very same year, we were given the devastating news that Nat’s treatment was no longer working. We went straight from the hospital to the Hospice’s Clinical Outpatients team, where we were immediately surrounded by care and support. We had a chance to talk through the news, and they even helped us think about how to explain things to our two sons. 

Just days later, Nat was admitted to the Hospice’s In-Patient Unit. 

I will never forget the time the doctor spent with us that first day. Nat was frightened and unsure about staying, but he spoke with such honesty, patience and kindness that by the end of the conversation she felt calm and reassured. 

The care she received, and the care we received as a family, is difficult to put into words. Whether it was the doctor taking time to answer our boys’ questions, the nurses treating Nat with such dignity and compassion, or the staff bringing a bed into her room so I could sleep beside her rather than in a chair, every small act meant so much.  

All of us, the boys, Nat’s parents, my parents, they all came in to visit, and we were incredibly supported by the staff. As well as receiving expert care from the Hospice teams directly, the boys and I were enabled to attend to Nat and care for her ourselves, which is something I really wanted. We knew that the nurses and doctors were there if we needed them. We felt that we were in the best hands. 

Nat died on the 17th of September 2024, six days after being admitted to the In Patient Unit. 

Even in the middle of the most painful time of our lives, we felt held and supported. There’s a real honour the staff give to the lives of patients, and the love and care they give to loved ones. 

After the amazing care Nat received, as a family we knew we wanted to support St. Luke’s Hospice. We raised money through Nat’s funeral, with some of the money going to her school where she was incredibly loved.   

Last year, I ran the London Marathon in memory of Nat and this summer, our youngest son, Woody (16), with the support of his school, will be taking on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for St. Luke’s Hospice.  

Our eldest son, Kyan (18) is now interviewing for medical schools and wants to become a doctor. He has many years to go yet but aspires to specialise in palliative care, shaped partly by his experience of his mum's care and the incredible support she received.  

The care of the Hospice was extraordinary, but it can only continue with the support of the community. I have seen first-hand the difference it makes. Your support means the Hospice can be there for families like ours, providing comfort, dignity and compassionate care when it matters most. 

Nat was independent, determined and deeply loved. She never let cancer define her, and the hospice helped her live life on her own terms for as long as possible. And for that, I will always be grateful. 

Kyan and Woody reflect on the care their mum, Nat, received:  
“St Luke's Hospice helped both of us through the most difficult time of our life. We felt supported and treated with kindness by the staff but most importantly we could see how well Mum was being looked after”.