Because of You, Malcolm Was Not Alone
Every day, patients and their whānau receive specialist palliative care delivered with compassion, respect, and dignity during some of the most challenging times of their lives. During Hospice Awareness Week, we are privileged to share the story of a family who experienced the care of Te Omanga Hospice, and to reflect on the impact our community has when we come together.
“The chaos, stress and pain seemed to stop as soon as we were admitted.”
A Man Whose Passions Built History and Community
Malcolm was a devoted husband, father, and passionate advocate for preserving Aotearoa’s maritime history. Growing up in Petone, he developed a lifelong love of ships and hands-on work, shaped by his parents and the values they instilled in him.
From his early career at General Motors to leading maritime heritage projects in Wellington, Malcolm was known for his commitment to community and meaningful work. His greatest passion was the restoration of the Hikitia floating crane - a project he poured his heart into, helping preserve an important piece of New Zealand’s maritime history for future generations.
“Dad always needed a project. His main passions were vintage motorcycling and maritime heritage, but more than anything, he loved the people who volunteered weekly to restore parts of the ship. They were his friends, his tribe,” Shona shared.
With Jill’s support, Malcolm built their two-storey family home with his bare hands. Shona shares special memories of how her dad, every night - when it was time for his little girls to go to bed would call “Time to go up the golden stairs.” Those stairs, crafted from native Rimu, had tiny gaps that let the light shine through - little quirks that made the house feel even more like home.
Malcolm later became a proud grandad to three grandchildren - one whose freckles, curly hair and curious, positive nature carry more than a passing resemblance to Grandad Malcolm.
In 2021, Malcolm contracted COVID and never fully recovered. At first, his family believed he was experiencing long COVID, but in 2023, after months of pain and recurring infections, doctors discovered he had a rare form of leukaemia.
His prognosis was less than six months. “We were devastated. Dad always believed he’d live past 95 – and so did we. None of us were ready for a world without him. He was the foundation for so many of us,” Shona shared.
Malcolm entered an international drug trial at Wellington Hospital, which extended his life but gradually drained his energy. “You could see the tiredness in him, and the sadness in his eyes-something we had never seen before,” Shona recalled.
When the treatment stopped working, Malcolm declined quickly. By Sunday morning, he was weak, disoriented, and feverish, and was admitted to Te Omanga Hospice’s inpatient unit.
A Peaceful Place in the Storm
“Te Omanga Hospice received Dad and our family at a time when we didn’t know what to do. But the chaos, stress, and pain seemed to stop as soon as we were admitted. It is peaceful and serene,” Shona shared.
Moments like this are only possible because of the generosity of our community.
One of Shona’s enduring memories is of her father surrounded by those he loved - his grandchildren playing ball on the grass outside, food being shared, space being made, time stretching softly around them.
Instead of hospital machines and hurried interruptions, there was calm. Instead of confinement, there was room for everyone to simply be together.
The hospice allowed the whole family to stay close - comfortably sitting, quietly talking, crying, and holding space for one another.
At the hospice, nurses kept Malcolm comfortable and pain-free while his family held his hands and spoke softly as he drifted in and out of consciousness. “It gave us time to say the things we needed to say – words you don’t want left unspoken,” Shona shared.
She remembers her children playing outside while she sat beside her father. “A unique but special experience – seeing the full circle of life unfold in front of you,” she said. “He could finally relax, knowing he was loved, and that everything was alright.”
It’s Time
Late on Malcolm’s final night, Shona and her mum knew it was time to say goodbye. Holding his hands, Shona gently said, “It’s time to go up the golden stairs.”
Moments later, Malcolm took his last peaceful breath.
Supporting Two Generations
As Shona reflected on their time at the hospice, she shared this was not the first time Te Omanga Hospice had supported their family.
Many years earlier, they had farewelled their beloved grandmother there too. Although the building had changed, the calm, warm atmosphere remained - and the gardens in bloom brought the same sense of peace and serenity.
Community for Community
Shona says that without Te Omanga Hospice, their experience would have been very different.
“We would likely have been crammed into a hospital ward, without the peace and serenity we experienced. Death would have felt medicalised and unnatural. Te Omanga Hospice was a true blessing. We are forever grateful. Words can’t express it.”
Her gratitude extends to every staff member who walked alongside their family
“You are very, very special – especially the nurses. You are the angels who helped my dad return to peace.
It may sound strange, but it is the gift of a lifetime.”
We are incredibly grateful for the support our community has shown so far. During Hospice Awareness Week, we ask if you might consider going just a little further – helping to ensure families like Malcolm’s continue to receive the care, dignity, and support they need when it matters most.
Every dollar you give makes a real difference here in the Hutt Valley. It helps ensure we can continue providing specialist palliative care and compassionate support to our patients and their whānau – completely free of charge.
