The matriach of the Pearson family, Grandma Pearson, lived to a grand old age. Beloved of many, grumpy to some; never short of a list of chores to be completed and never one to miss a local community dance. She was cared for by the lovely staff of Willow Burn Derwentside Hospice in her twilight years. It is with unyielding patience, benevolence and fortitude that organisations such as Willow Burn operate.

Willow Burn was founded in 1989 and was the first hospice in Durham to provide in-patient services. Willow Burn receives small sums from the UK government and largely depends on local community fundraising to meet expenses.