Marcello's Story Marcello's story as told by his friend Giovanni. When Marcello arrived at Trinity, he looked around his room, saw the garden, met the staff, and said, “Oh my God, I love this place.” Within days, he was proudly showing everyone his view, the koi fish and the ducks that sat by the pond. Trinity didn’t feel cold or clinical. It felt full of warmth, welcoming and safe. And we, his friends, could finally breathe. He didn’t come to Trinity to die. He still hoped to regain enough strength for another clinical trial. He came in for symptom control, and the team welcomed him exactly as he was: young, bright, creative, still fighting and dreaming. Marcello was an artist and a chef. He painted many pieces and wrote a book called 283 Days, a diary about his strength, solidarity, and will to live during his illness. He was planning a second book because hope and creativity kept him moving forward. Trinity’s calm gave him space to keep being himself. Food was how Marcello showed love. Even during treatment, he created beautiful meals, including a nine-course Christmas dinner and, three weeks later, a thirteen-course extravaganza for his 53rd birthday that brought his friends together around a table full of joy. At Trinity, we carried on creating those simple joys with his favourite treats, a fridge full of ice cream, and shared moments. Those small things mattered more than we can say. He approached death with clarity and courage. “I have no problem dying. I’ve accepted that,” he told me. “I just don’t want to suffer.” Trinity understood him and became the place where he could find peace. In his last week, things were very hard. Trinity made sure he was never alone. Nurses adjusted his pain relief and held his hands. Friends sat by his side. Every kindness was offered. Every small detail mattered. When people ask what Trinity was like, I tell them it was both heaven and hell. It was the worst time of our lives, yet somehow the best place we could have hoped to be. I wish everyone could find somewhere like that when they need it most. After Marcello died, Trinity kept caring. They checked in on me, invited me back to the garden, and helped our group of friends honour him. Some of his art now hangs in our homes; some was given to support Trinity’s work. His story lives on in every memory, every painting and every meal shared at a long table. That’s why I support Trinity. I want other people to have the little moments that meant so much to Marcello: laughter with friends, sunshine in the garden, quiet words at the right time, and care that never looked away. Together, we can help someone else find the same comfort, peace and dignity that Marcello found at Trinity. Trinity isn’t about giving up; it is about being human right to the end. Support our care Help us be there for the next friend, the next family who needs us. Trinity provides all of its care free of charge. While we receive some NHS funding, it does not cover the full cost of hospice care. Support our appeal and ensure our teams can continue to offer care that is personal, gentle and dignified, when people need it most. Support our appeal Manage Cookie Preferences