A man from Cannock has made a heartfelt donation of drums to the Family Support and Wellbeing at St Giles Hospice in memory of his wife, Wendy – using music to help others express what words sometimes cannot.  

Ben’s story is being shared during Dying Matters Week – a national campaign that encourages open conversations about death and dying. Ben’s story highlights the importance of finding your own way of processing loss and supporting others through bereavement.  

Wendy, who was cared for at St Giles Hospice, had a passion for music. In tribute to her, Ben chose to donate instruments that would allow patients and their loved ones to communicate emotion in a different way.  

Ben said: “Music is personal to everyone. When you’re sad, you put on your favourite song – it connects with you in a way other things can’t. Every song and its lyrics mean something different.  

“I wanted to donate something I could physically see making a difference. Even if the drums help one person to share how they feel, then they have done what I intended for them to do.”  

Ben has also donated a piano to the Lotus Room in the Inpatient Unit at the Whittington hospice. Here it will be used for services, reflection, and events – ensuring Wendy’s love of music continues to ring comfort in others. 

Jane Morris, Senior Family Support Worker at St Giles Hospice, said: “The drums are another outlet for someone to share their emotions. Whether that be pain or feelings they may not be able to talk about, they can use the drums to communicate instead. We’ve already seen it in practice – when the heart can’t speak, the drums can.”  

During Dying Matters Awareness Week, St Giles Hospice is encouraging people to talk about death and dying, just as Ben has done.  

Through Ben’s donation, Wendy’s memory lives on through music – helping to open conversations and support St Giles Hospice.  

To find out more about how you can support St Giles Hospice, visit: www.stgileshospice.com