Saint Catherine’s activities coordinator in national awards final

Marie Couch, activities coordinator at Saint Catherine’s in Scarborough, is a finalist in the Ancillary Worker Award category at the Palliative and End of Life Care Awards 2026.

The category celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to create meaningful experiences, promote wellbeing, and contribute to outstanding person-centred care.

Marie Couch of Saint Catherine’s at a pizza night (Image: Supplied)

Her nomination highlights her dedication, creativity and commitment to helping patients and families make precious memories during their time at Saint Catherine’s.

Marie Couch, activities coordinator at Saint Catherine’s, said: "My role is about creating opportunities for people to be themselves, not their diagnosis.

"Whether that’s helping a family make precious memories at the seaside, creating keepsakes that provide comfort after loss, or giving patients the chance to enjoy a special evening with loved ones, my aim is always to bring comfort, connection, dignity and joy when it matters most."

Wrong trouser day (Image: Supplied)

Having started at the hospice as part of the occupational therapy team, Ms Couch developed activities that brought comfort, connection, and moments of joy to patients and their loved ones.

Her contributions helped shape her current role as activities coordinator. One of her most heartfelt initiatives was the creation of the hospice's Christmas Bauble Service, which offered comfort to families and a space to reflect on those they had lost.

Patients were invited to write the name of a loved one on a bauble throughout the year.

A pizza night at Saint Catherine’s (Image: Supplied)

The baubles were then placed on a Christmas tree in the Sanctuary, creating a moving display of remembrance.

Ms Couch has helped fulfil personal wishes, including arranging a day at the beach for a patient and his family who had never been to the seaside together.

She also organised a recent pizza night at the hospice, transforming a unit into a restaurant with table service, live music, and custom pizzas.

A couple who attended said: "We haven’t been able to go out together for a meal for such a long time, and this has been so lovely."

She also organises regular small events, such as celebrations for National Éclair Day and creative sessions—all designed to bring moments of light and togetherness into patients’ days.

Her work and approach have been recognised through a nomination for this national award.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Hilton London Bankside.