This lantern sits by the side of my bed. Often we have no power and this lantern lights up the room for me. Next to the lantern is a photo of my family and the light reflects off the mosquito net around my bed – to me it symbolizes hope as it provided light in the darkness, and the reflection on the mosquito net reminds me that our hope, our contribution can be reflected far wider than we might imagine.

I met Dame Cicely when I was a nursing student doing my elective at St Christopher’s. There I was inspired by the atmosphere of hope and for the care and love shown to all and the different that as a nurse I could make to the lives of those who were dying and their families. That elective was key to me becoming involved in palliative care as it showed me that however small, I could make a difference.