Love, music and making memories: Claire and Simon’s story
For Pilgrims Hospices patient, Claire Scott, and her husband, Simon, life is filled with love, music and a deep appreciation for every moment they share together.
When Claire, 55, a talented pianist, met Simon, 45, a singer and songwriter, at a training event, their connection was immediate, love blossomed almost straight away.
Now living in Lyminge, the couple have built a life centred around creativity, compassion, and making meaningful memories together. They’ve even performed side by side at garden parties, sharing their love of music with others.
Claire and Simon performing at a Pilgrims Hospices event in July 2025
Claire was first diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago.
After treatment, she enjoyed precious years of stability, but two years ago received the devastating news that her cancer had returned and spread to her liver, bones and spine. Since then, she has undergone various treatments, determined, as she says, to “buy a little more time.”
Despite the challenges, Claire approaches each day with honesty, strength and remarkable positivity.
“I’ve recently been offered a new course of chemotherapy,” Claire explained.
“There’s hope it could give me more time, possibly even a couple of years. That means everything to us. It’s time to be together, to plan, and to make sure things are in place for Simon.”
With a background as a medical secretary, Claire feels she has been able to understand her diagnosis and treatment more clearly, helping her to make informed decisions about her care. Recently, a combination of steroid medication and pain relief has helped her feel more positive again, though she is open about the reality of living with serious illness.
“There are good days and bad days,” she said. “Some days are much harder than others, but I will always strive to be positive and grateful for the time I have with Simon, my family and loved ones.”
Support from Pilgrims Hospices has been central to both Claire and Simon’s journey.
“Pilgrims is full of warmth and love, it feels like a family,” Claire said.
“The team regularly check in with me to make sure I’m feeling supported and making the most of everything available. From the doctors, nurses, health care assistants, and wellbeing teams, I feel like I have a cushion of support helping me through every emotional step. It’s like they’re saying, ‘It’s OK, we’ve got you.’”
Through Pilgrims’ wellbeing services, Claire has taken part in therapeutic art, and creative sessions such as Tiles of Joy, while also recording special messages for her loved ones through the Blackbird Project, leaving behind treasured memories in her own voice.
For Simon, support has come through counselling and wellbeing walks, helping him to navigate the emotional challenges of Claire’s illness. Music, too, remains a powerful outlet. He has written a deeply personal song, Blessed, which will one day be played at Claire’s funeral, a reflection of their love and shared journey.
“Having the time to make these decisions together is incredibly important,” Simon said.
Claire is equally focused on Simon’s future, encouraging him to continue creating and sharing his music.
“We are both really creative,” she said. “I want Simon to have wonderful projects to focus on moving forward.”
Recently, the couple created one of their most treasured memories, their wedding day. With support from the charity Gift of a Wedding, Claire and Simon were able to celebrate a beautiful ceremony at Broome Park on 27 March 2026.
In just five weeks, an incredible team of supporters brought the day together, with everything from the venue and dress to photography, cake, and hair and make-up generously donated.
“It was the most wonderful day,” Claire said. “We didn’t feel a burning need to get married, we did it purely for love.”
Surrounded by family, along with members of the Pilgrims team, the day was a celebration not just of their relationship, but of life itself.
“We feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a loving family,” Claire shared. “They are kind, supportive, and bring light even in the hardest moments.”
Together, Claire and Simon have made a conscious choice to face the future with openness and positivity.
“People can sometimes see death as something very dark,” Claire reflected. “But for us, it’s about embracing the time we have, focusing on love, creativity, and the kindness we receive from family, friends and Pilgrims.”
Simon is now passionate about giving back, using his music to support others facing similar journeys. He recently played some music for a fellow Pilgrims patient; one of the pieces really helped them reconnect with their family, which was wonderful, a moment that stayed with him deeply.
For Claire and Simon, every day matters.
“Pilgrims holds such a special place in our hearts,” Claire said.
“Knowing they are here for both of us, now and in the future, helps us remain positive. I know Simon will continue to support hospice care long after I’m gone.”
Together, they continue to focus on what truly counts: love, connection, creativity, and making the most of the time they have, holding on to joy, even in life’s most difficult moments.
