How Rowcroft offered compassion when it was needed most
Sarah and Craig Stickland’s life together was built on love and family. When Armed Forces veteran Craig (pictured above) became ill, that love and devotion carried them through the hardest of times. Sarah shares their story of the support and comfort that Rowcroft Hospice was able to offer when it was most needed, describing arriving at the hospice as feeling like “walking on air”.
A love that began at first sight
“Mine and Craig’s special word to each other is always,” said Sarah. “We met at a busy, noisy 18th birthday party, and from across the room I saw Craig and knew that he would always be by my side. Craig was in the army when we met, a life he loved, and he was based in Windsor. As the years passed, we bought our first home together, married in 1998, and Craig left the army to find work locally in Devon. We went on to build a life together and have two amazing children, Jade and Rupert.”
Coming together as a family
“Craig was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2023, and as a family we came together to face it head on. He underwent major surgery soon after his diagnosis, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In September 2024, we were told that there was nothing more the doctors could do. For the next few months, we focused on doing the things Craig loved most – camping in our van, walking our dogs Pippa and Luna, and taking one last holiday to Gibraltar with our children.”
Finding comfort at Rowcroft
“Craig went downhill very quickly in his final weeks. Seeing Craig in so much pain, we knew as a family that Rowcroft would be the best place for him. Rowcroft came to us at a time of real need. Craig was moved to Rowcroft on a Monday morning when the sun was shining. Walking into the building felt like walking on air – the weight lifted from our shoulders and we could breathe again.
“Craig was able to have family and friends to visit him every day, sharing tears and laughs, all while being by his side. On Remembrance Day, as the sun rose, the team pushed Craig’s bed out into the garden. It felt like a fitting day, as it was one he always celebrated with fellow veterans, and he slowly drifted away.”
Always by my side
“Craig was at Rowcroft Hospice for two weeks. It’s hard to find the words to describe how the team turned such a sad time into something special for Craig and for us. Whenever I visit the gardens at Rowcroft, I can still feel Craig there, always by my side. We will love him always.”
Help Rowcroft be there for others
“Rowcroft needs any help you can give, whether big or small. From taking part in The Big Tackle, to hosting a coffee morning or supporting the Meadow of Memories, every act of kindness makes a difference. There will always be someone who needs their care.”
Our commitment to inclusion
At Rowcroft, we believe everyone deserves compassionate, tailored care. That’s why, in June 2025, we signed the Armed Forces Covenant – a formal pledge to support those who serve, or have served, in the military, along with their families. This reflects our ongoing commitment to equality and inclusion, ensuring our care is accessible to all, including the Armed Forces community.
As Sarah and Craig’s story shows, Rowcroft is dedicated to offering care for those who need us most, offering physical and emotional support through challenging times. By signing the Covenant, we reaffirm our promise to create a welcoming environment where everyone can find the care and compassion they deserve.