St Michael’s Hospice is a building of hope when patients go to live, rather than die, and a new book, 20 Beds celebrates the lives of patients, volunteers and staff who make St Michael’s one of the region’s most inspirational places. It tells the story of St Michael’s, recalling its founding members and detailing how it has evolved over three decades.

It brings the story up to date, looking to the present and future, as St Michael’s undergoes a multi-million-pound redevelopment with the addition of new rooms.

The book was inspired by a former patient, Barbara Gwinnell, who passed away at St Michael’s at the age of 64. Her daughter, Rachel Haworth, talked to friends about providing a lasting tribute, both to her mother and to other patients, while also raising funds.

Ms Haworth, who is the marketing director of book company Hey Everyone, at Rotherwas, near Hereford, said: “My family had the most incredible experience through our association with St Michael’s and we will be eternally grateful.

“One Sunday, I was having lunch with my partner and a friend and during our conversation we talked about St Michael’s. The idea came about that we should create a book that reflects on the remarkable work that St Michael’s has done during the past 30 years and look forward to its bright future.”

Ms Haworth added that real stories from real patients was at the heart of 20 Beds.

Publisher Andy Richardson, from A Way With Media, added: “We decided that patients ought to be at the heart of the book. So we spent several long months interviewing them about their lives and giving them the opportunity to tell their stories.

The book features a foreword from long-time St Michael’s supporter, HRH Princess Alexandra, who in May 2016 will open a new unit at the hospice in conjunction with the official launch of the book which is to take place at The Hospice in Bartestree.

Most importantly, however, it allows life-limited patients to tell their stories.

They speak frankly, openly and honestly about their lives, their illnesses and their hopes for the future – offering a unique and unparalleled perspective.

20 Beds is their legacy – and it is one that will inspire all who read it.

The RRP of 20 Beds will be £20, with a £4 donation to St Michael’s Hospice that will go directly to patient care. Pre-order’s are now available at www.heyeveryone.com.