Marie Curie nurse Ashleigh Wood noted patients have a ‘clear sense of what really matters’ in their (Image: Matt Crossick/PA Media Assignments)
End-of-life care professionals at Marie Curie have shared the most valuable life lessons imparted by terminally ill patients during their final months, weeks, and days, encouraging others to prioritise what truly counts. Embracing the present moment, releasing resentment and living fearlessly featured prominently among their advice.
Numerous nurses and healthcare assistants also disclosed that one of the most frequent regrets expressed involves sacrificing family occasions for professional commitments. This sits alongside excessive money worries, with many patients encouraging their loved ones to create meaningful experiences rather than hoarding wealth for rainy days.
The guidance ranges from timeless wisdom, such as resolving conflicts before bedtime and prioritising time with family, to celebrating your distinctive personality daily rather than reserving special items for rare occasions.
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Top 10 life lessons from terminally ill patients, according to Marie Curie teams:
- Never go to sleep on an angry word
- Don’t let worrying rob you of the time you have
- Time with loved ones is everything
- Don’t wait for ‘one day’ – live in the moment
- Don’t be afraid to go bold if it makes you feel yourself – wear the red lipstick or your favourite perfume
- Let go of grudges and forgive more quickly
- Cherish memories with loved ones
- Keep your hands soft for loved ones to hold
- Don’t work so hard that you miss out on life
- Don’t save all your money for a rainy day – use it to make happy memories
Healthcare professionals across the board observed that patients placed emphasis on modest comforts, which significantly enhanced their remaining time, from continuing their skincare regimen to keeping fragrance nearby to mask clinical odours and evoke cherished recollections.
Registered Nurse Ashleigh Wood said: “Spending time with people in their final days gives you a very clear sense of what really matters.
“We often hear patients talk about wanting to forgive more quickly, to say the things they feel and not leave words unsaid. We also hear reminders to take pride in who you are and not lose the things that make you feel like yourself.”
The Marie Curie nurse additionally disclosed that numerous patients elevate self-care practices during this period, encompassing seemingly minor actions such as grooming their hair, donning a beloved ensemble or applying a signature bold lip colour.
She added: “Those rituals aren’t about vanity; they’re about identity, dignity and doing things that make them feel good – right up until the final days. Feeling clean, comfortable and confident can make an enormous difference, even in the most difficult times. It’s often those quiet moments that stay with us long after a patient has gone.”
A Marie Curie Healthcare Assistant commented: “I had one patient who insisted on wearing her bright red lipstick every day up to her last day, so she felt like ‘herself’.” The valuable advice was offered in conjunction with Superdrug’s Purchase for Marie Curie Nurses initiative, where profits from selected items will go towards the charity, which stands as the UK’s foremost end of life organisation.
TV and radio presenter Kemi Rodgers, who helped unveil the campaign, said: “Having previously worked in healthcare, I know that one of the most striking parts is hearing the quiet wisdom people share with those around them in life’s most important moments.
“Marie Curie Nurses witness moments like this every day through their invaluable work caring for people at the end of life, so I was keen to meet them and find out more about what they do. I’m determined that everyone should understand how important it is that we continue to support and fund their work – simply through supporting Marie Curie and Superdrug’s Purchase for Nurses campaign.”
Megan Potter, Trading Director at Superdrug said: “It’s very easy to get involved in our Purchase for Marie Curie Nurses campaign. Just head instore or online and pick up one of hundreds of products – brands include Maybelline, Novomins, Working Hands, Vitabiotics and so many more – and you’ll be helping to raise vital funds for the nurses doing invaluable work for patients at the end of their lives.”
