Five months after Simon’s death, Debs will honour his memory by tying a ribbon in Mountbatten’s garden. “Each one of us needs to find our own way through grief and remembering our loved ones,” she says. “Tying a ribbon can be a meaningful part of that journey."

When Debs Goodenough and her husband Simon moved to the Isle of Wight in 1986, they thought it would be for just a few years. But the Island’s beauty, its gardens, and the sense of community quickly made it their forever home. Together, they raised their family, built a life surrounded by nature, and became part of the fabric of the Island.

Years later, when Simon was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, their world changed. “We’d always known about Mountbatten,” Debs recalls, “but it wasn’t until Simon became ill that we truly understood what it meant to have this hospice on our Island.” At first, Simon was hesitant about hospice care, but as his illness progressed and pain became harder to manage, Mountbatten stepped in with gentle expertise.

Initially, Simon benefited from Mountbatten’s rehabilitation services, which helped him maintain his strength and independence, allowing him to live as fully as possible during his illness. Later, as Simon’s illness progressed, Mountbatten’s doctors and nurses created a bespoke pain management plan, allowing Simon to spend six comfortable months at home.

The community team was always there—24/7—offering advice, arranging equipment, and ensuring Debs never felt alone in her role as a carer. “They helped us make the most of our last Christmas together,” Debs says. “They cared for me, too, recognising how hard it was to look after Simon.”

When the time came, Simon spent his final two weeks in the hospice. “It was a peaceful haven,” Debs remembers. “Surrounded by love and supported by compassionate staff, we were able to create lasting memories. I could be his wife again, not just his carer.” The family gathered, sharing stories, laughter, and quiet moments. The staff respected their privacy, but were always there when needed, wrapping the family in a “bubble” of care and dignity.

Following Simon's death, Debs sought solace and a way to keep his memory alive. She found it in ritual: walking the Wight with her family, spearheading fundraising efforts that have raised over £11,000 for Mountbatten in Simon's name. Now, she continues to remember him by tying a ribbon in Mountbatten's garden this summer.

“Tying a ribbon is another way to remember Simon, to say his name, and to feel connected to others who are also remembering someone they love,” Debs explains. “It brings comfort and reminds us we’re not alone.”

The act of tying a ribbon is more than a symbol. It’s a way to honour those we love, to process grief, and to support the work of Mountbatten.

“It’s what Simon wanted,” says Debs. “For more people like him to experience the outstanding care and support the charity provides.”

Every ribbon dedicated in Mountbatten’s Chelsea Garden this summer, and every donation made, helps ensure that no one on the Isle of Wight faces death, dying, or bereavement alone.

Join Debs to dedicate a ribbon, donate, and help Mountbatten continue to be there for every Island family who needs us.

Donate now to help other families like Debs' who need Mountbatten.