Woman given days to live recalls harrowing 'death's door' feeling

A woman who was told she had just days to live has shared how hospice care transformed her final weeks into a new lease of life - and now she’s urging others to support the hospice that gave her hope.

Jane Curtis, 67, from Dartmouth, was rushed to Torbay Hospital in June and given the devastating diagnosis of stage four breast cancer, which had spread to her bones. Doctors told her family she had between three hours and two weeks to live.

“I couldn’t really take it all in; it happened so fast,” said Jane. “My brother came straight away, and he was told that because of the situation, two weeks was the most they thought I’d survive.”

Transferred to Rowcroft Hospice in Torquay for end-of-life care, Jane believed she would never return home again. “I really thought ‘I’m not going to make this.’ I literally felt at death’s door,” she recalled.

But Jane’s condition began to improve under the care of the hospice’s team, who provided not just medical support, but holistic therapies including reflexology, sound therapy, and even pet therapy.

“The reflexology was fantastic, the sound therapy was incredible, and the pet therapy with the dogs made such a difference,” Jane said. “It’s all essential, because it creates interest and inspires people to think about things other than their illness.”

Jane, who previously worked as a holistic therapist and conservation assistant, embraced every opportunity to heal. “I’m a very, very positive person,” she said. “My mindset was: I’m going to take every day as it comes and I’ll make the most of all of Rowcroft’s holistic therapies.”

As days passed, she regained strength - walking again with help from physiotherapists, enjoying time in the hospice gardens, and even having her hair washed and cut. “It was beautiful. I felt as though I was on holiday,” she said.

Eventually, Jane was strong enough to return to her cottage in Dartmouth, where she now lives independently, supported by Rowcroft’s community care team and visiting carers.

“I’m on a 24-hour slow release dose of morphine, but I’m feeling really well and positive,” she said. “I’ve gone from taking one day at a time to planning ahead again. It’s all because of Rowcroft’s care — no question about it. I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for the care and support I received from Rowcroft.”

Jane’s remarkable story is being shared as part of Rowcroft Hospice’s 2025 Christmas Appeal. The charity is calling on the public to help fund palliative and end-of-life care for local patients and families during the festive season — a time that can be especially difficult for those facing life-limiting illnesses.

Mark Hawkins, Chief Executive of Rowcroft Hospice, said: “Jane’s story is a wonderful example of how Rowcroft helps people to live as fully and comfortably as possible, and to make every day the best day possible. This Christmas, we’re asking our community to help us continue providing this crucial care for local families when they need it most.”

The hospice, which serves around 2,500 people annually across South Devon, is facing increased demand amid a challenging economic climate. Nearly 75 per cent of its funding comes from community donations.

To support Rowcroft’s Christmas Appeal, visit their website.