Doreen Head (9 Oct 1953 - 11 Apr 2026)

In loving memory of Doreen Head who sadly passed away on 11th April 2026.

Doreen had a very long fight with cancer from the early 2000's.

Initially she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she fought it head on with an operation followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She unfortunately lost all of her hair and instead of giving up at this hurdle she would pop her hat on and carry on with her day, she was a warrior queen. Nothing fazed her, nothing scared her or stopped her smiling!

After many years all clear she was hit with the devastating news that the breast cancer had spread in the form of a brain tumor. In true Doreen style she packed her overnight bag went to a London hospital during the worst pandemic the world has seen (Covid). She admirably soldiered through brain surgery all on her own as her family were not allowed to be with her!
Sadly this one couldn't be cured, and for nearly 6 years she fought hard to keep it at bay with endless radiotherapy and chemotherapy again, but sadly it wasn't possible to treat the way Doreen and the family had hoped!

Near to the end of her life, Doreen was moved into the Pilgrims hospice Ashford where she lived like the Queen that she was. For the last two weeks of her life she requested lime jelly and ice cream for every meal (she loved jelly and ice cream and it would always put a big smile on her face when it arrived).

To say that the staff at the hospice were amazing doesn't do them justice. They worked around the clock to care and keep Doreen's pride and dignity. They made her laugh and made her feel safe, happy and comfortable. They also went above and beyond with any request that Doreen had, it felt like she was the only person there which was just beautiful.

The staff prepped the family for the devastating end of life news and gave them all the time they needed with Doreen. The Pilgrims Hospice did what no one else could do and that was to give all the family quality time with Doreen.

The Pilgrims Hospice rely heavily on donations and its so under resourced, they have capacity for twice the patients, but cannot afford to give this much needed support to those near the end, and families riding the devastating wave.
So if you would like to donate to them, both the family and the hospice would be so so grateful. Please click and donate if you can, support the hospice and share with others who knew Doreen so that others that are currently in the position Doreen was can enjoy that much needed empathy, care and support in the final weeks.

Thank you from Peter, Lisa, Sarah & Katie XXXX