Pauline Morris, a nurse who devoted 22 years to caring for patients at Teesside Hospice, returned to the place she called her 'second home' when she needed care during her final weeks. In 2025, she received a cancer diagnosis, and the hospice's Inpatient Unit, where she had spent much of her career, became where she lived out her final weeks with round-the-clock care.
A Daughter's Tribute
Pauline's daughter, Genna, is now sharing her mother's story as part of Teesside Hospice's Light Up A Life campaign, which invites the local community to honour loved ones who have died through a special dedication. Genna said: "Mum was diagnosed with cancer in 2025, and she immediately wanted to be cared for at Teesside Hospice. It was mum's second home. She already knew about the incredible care her former colleagues gave to everyone who walked through the doors."
Genna added: "Mum's old stories about working there became real within hours of her being admitted. We had complete peace of mind that she'd receive amazing care, 24 hours a day. We could visit whenever we wanted and that flexibility gave us everything we needed. For my dad, knowing he could come at any hour, it seems like such a small thing but it helps so much at a time like this."
'Hospice Angels' and Christmas Memories
Pauline formed lasting friendships throughout her more than two decades of dedication to thousands of patients. Her daughter described the staff as 'Hospice Angels', saying: "That's everyone from the cleaners to the doctors, reception to the nurses. Every single person gives you the warmest smile or hug, and the comfort you need at the hardest time."
Christmas was Pauline's most cherished time of year, and Genna and her family are finding new ways to honour her festive traditions, including joining the wider Teesside community in paying tribute through the Light Up A Life appeal. Genna said: "Mum's motto was always 'don't take life too seriously, because life's serious enough'. Her humour and her outlook helped us understand what was happening to her, and is how we remember her, especially at Christmas."
Community Tribute Events
The appeal, sponsored by Rose Funerals, invites the community to honour and celebrate those they have lost with a dedication this Christmas. Participants receive a dedication card, which is placed on the Christmas tree outside the hospice on Northgate Road, and their loved one's name appears in the Light Up A Life Book of Memories, housed in the Reflection Room at the hospice.
Scott Hill, Relationship Giving Manager at Teesside Hospice, said: "We're so grateful to Genna and the family for sharing their memories of Pauline and supporting Light Up A Life this Christmas. The festive season can be a difficult time for people who have lost loved ones or are going through difficult times, but we hope that through Light Up A Life, we can bring the community together and share special memories."
Three services will be held across the Tees Valley next month: Friday, 11 December, 6pm, at St Barnabas' Church in Linthorpe; Saturday, 12 December, 6pm, at St Peter's Church in Redcar; and Sunday, 13 December, 5pm, at the hospice on Northgate Road in Linthorpe. Members of the public can also leave tributes at community trees in Coulby Newham Parkway Centre and the Hillstreet Centre from 19 and 20 November respectively.
Scott added: "By making a voluntary donation with your dedication, you can make a huge difference in helping our team be there for patients and families who need us this Christmas, ensuring they have access to the best care and can make the most of the time they have. Thank you to everyone who has joined us in lighting up a life so far."
