Saint Catherine’s Activities Coordinator Named National Award Finalist

Marie Couch Shortlisted For National Palliative Care Award

From remembrance services and seaside visits to special date nights, Marie’s work is helping patients and families create precious memories when they matter most.

Marie Couch, Activities Coordinator at Saint Catherine’s has been recognised on a national stage after being named a finalist in the Palliative & End of Life Care Awards 2026. She has been shortlisted in the Ancillary Worker Award category, which celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to create meaningful experiences, promote wellbeing and contribute to outstanding person-centred care. The nomination recognises Marie’s dedication, creativity and commitment to helping patients and families make precious memories during their time at Saint Catherine’s.

Now working as Activities Coordinator, Marie originally joined the hospice as part of the Occupational Therapy team. Through her passion and initiative, she began developing activities and events that brought comfort, connection and joy to patients and their loved ones, helping to shape the role she now holds today.

One of Marie’s most touching initiatives was the creation of the hospice’s Christmas Bauble Service. Families who had lost a loved one while receiving care as an inpatient at Saint Catherine’s were invited to a special remembrance service held in the Sanctuary. Throughout the year, patients on the In-Patient Unit were invited to write the name of a loved one on a bauble. These were then placed on a Christmas tree in the Sanctuary, creating a beautiful and moving display of remembrance. The service brought families together for a time of reflection, with words shared by Rev. Dr. Arleen M. Ingham and music performed by local choir Twilight Productions. Afterwards, guests were invited to gather for refreshments in Flavours Bistro.

Another example of Marie’s dedication to creating meaningful moments came when a patient shared a simple wish: he wanted to watch his children play on the beach. His family had never experienced a day by the sea together, so Marie worked with colleagues to help make it happen. Thanks to the generosity of a member of staff, who kindly offered the use of her beach chalet, the family were able to spend precious time together by the coast, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

More recently, Marie organised a special ‘Date Night’ experience for patients and their loved ones on the In-Patient Unit. The evening transformed part of the hospice into a restaurant setting, complete with table service, live music and freshly made pizzas cooked to each guest’s choice of toppings.

One couple who attended shared:

“We haven’t been able to go out together for a meal for such a long time and this has been so lovely.”

Alongside larger events, Marie continues to organise a variety of activities throughout the year, from themed celebrations such as National Éclair Day and National Wrong Trousers Day to creative sessions and opportunities for connection that help brighten patients’ days.

Reflecting on her nomination, Marie said:

“My role is about creating opportunities for people to be themselves, not their diagnosis. Whether that’s helping a family make precious memories at the seaside, creating keepsakes that provide comfort after loss, or giving patients the chance to enjoy a special evening with loved ones, my aim is always to bring comfort, connection, dignity and joy when it matters most.”

The Palliative & End of Life Care Awards recognise individuals and organisations that provide high-quality, person-centred care, helping people to live well and die well. The Ancillary Worker Award specifically celebrates those who create welcoming environments, support wellbeing and deliver meaningful activities that contribute to holistic care in social care and hospice settings.

Marie’s nomination is a testament to the difference she makes every day to patients and families, ensuring they can continue making memories, finding moments of joy and spending meaningful time together.

The winners will be revealed at the Palliative & End of Life Care Awards ceremony on Thursday 2^nd July 2026 at the Hilton London Bankside, where Marie will be as a proud member of Saint Catherine’s alongside finalists from across the UK.

Everyone at Saint Catherine’s is incredibly proud of Marie’s achievement and wishes her the very best of luck.