The lamp was too strong for the picture. Yet it colours it all, and its base is visible.

The photograph is of my nephew, James. His life was short and difficult but he was loved not just by his family, but by many hospital staff who cared for him. 

As librarian at St Christopher’s Hospice, it is hardly surprising I have varied books by the bedside!

I always enjoyed answering Dr Saunders’ queries to the library.

As James would have had many problems as he grew up, my photo is a reminder that Dame Cicely’s compassion also extended to people with terminal illnesses other than cancer.