Saint Catherine’s Activities Coordinator Shortlisted For National Palliative Care Award

Marie Couch from Saint Catherine's has been named a finalist in the Palliative and End of Life Care Awards 2026 for her dedication to creating meaningful experiences for patients and their families.

A member of the team at Saint Catherine’s has been recognised on a national stage after being named a finalist in the Palliative and End of Life Care Awards 2026.

Marie Couch, who works as an Activities Coordinator at the hospice, has been shortlisted in the Ancillary Worker Award category. The award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to create meaningful experiences, promote wellbeing, and contribute to outstanding person-centred care.

The nomination recognises her dedication, creativity, and commitment to helping patients and their families make precious memories during their time at Saint Catherine’s.

Originally joining the hospice as part of the Occupational Therapy team, Marie began developing activities and events through her own passion and initiative. Her efforts brought comfort, connection, and joy to patients and their loved ones, which ultimately helped to shape her current role as Activities Coordinator.

Among her most touching initiatives was the creation of a Christmas Bauble Service at the hospice. Families who had lost a loved one while receiving care as an inpatient at Saint Catherine’s were invited to a special remembrance service held in the Sanctuary.

Throughout the year, patients on the In-Patient Unit were invited to write the name of a loved one on a bauble. These were then placed on a Christmas tree in the Sanctuary, creating a moving display of remembrance.

The service brought families together for a time of reflection, featuring words shared by Reverend Dr Arleen M. Ingham and music performed by the local choir, Twilight Productions. Guests were subsequently invited to gather for refreshments in Flavours Bistro.

Another example of her dedication to creating meaningful moments occurred when a patient shared a simple wish to watch his children play on the beach.

As the family had never experienced a day by the sea together, Marie worked with her colleagues to help make the wish a reality. Thanks to the generosity of a staff member who offered the use of her beach chalet, the family were able to spend precious time together by the coast.

More recently, Marie organised a special 'Pizza Night' experience for patients and their loved ones on the In-Patient Unit. The evening transformed part of the hospice into a restaurant setting, complete with table service, live music, and freshly made pizzas cooked with each guest’s choice of toppings.

One couple who attended the event said:

"We haven’t been able to go out together for a meal for such a long time and this has been so lovely."

Alongside these larger events, Marie continues to organise a variety of activities throughout the year. These range from themed celebrations, such as National Éclair Day and National Wrong Trousers Day, to creative sessions and opportunities for connection that help brighten the days of patients.

Reflecting on her nomination, Marie Couch said:

"My role is about creating opportunities for people to be themselves, not their diagnosis. Whether that’s helping a family make precious memories at the seaside, creating keepsakes that provide comfort after loss, or giving patients the chance to enjoy a special evening with loved ones, my aim is always to bring comfort, connection, dignity and joy when it matters most."

The Palliative and End of Life Care Awards recognise individuals and organisations that provide high-quality, person-centred care, helping people to live well and die well. The Ancillary Worker Award specifically celebrates those who create welcoming environments, support wellbeing, and deliver meaningful activities that contribute to holistic care in social care and hospice settings.

The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony on Thursday the 2nd of July 2026 at the Hilton London Bankside. Marie will attend as a proud member of Saint Catherine’s alongside finalists from across the UK.

A spokesperson for Saint Catherine’s stated that everyone at the hospice is incredibly proud of Marie’s achievement and wishes her the very best of luck.