But the long nights became almost unbearable, as he was afraid that if he fell asleep, Sue might be in pain or need him.
Mr Copeland, aged 81, said: “As Sue became frailer, the nights felt longer and lonelier.
“I was so tired, but I worried about what would happen if I closed my eyes.
“What if Sue needed me and I didn’t hear?
“What if she was in pain or scared?
“And if something happened, what would I do?
“Who would I turn to?”
The answer arrived in the form of St Clare Hospice’s night-sitting service, delivered by its Hospice at Home team.
The service offers specialist care, comfort and reassurance through the night. St Clare says it is a vital support for families caring for loved ones at the end of life.
The hospice’s healthcare assistant Pauline Chapman became a lifeline for Mr Copeland and his daughters, caring for Sue during her final nights and allowing the family to rest.
Mr Copeland said: “Then Pauline from the St Clare Hospice at Home team came into our lives and brought something we didn’t expect – specialist, expert care through the night for us both.
“At the most difficult time of our lives, St Clare eased the path.
“The night-sitters are just wonderful.”
Mr Copeland said: “Looking after Sue was an absolute privilege.
“But nothing prepares you for the physical and emotional strain, especially through the night.
“Without the St Clare Hospice at Home night-sitting service, I’m not sure how we would have managed.”
He said the greatest gift the hospice gave them was time together at the end.
Mr Copeland said: “They knew when the moment was close, and all three of us were with Sue, holding her hand and whispering to her.
“It was a blessing for us all.”
Pauline said: “For people who choose to spend their final days at home, nights can be the hardest.
“Family members often describe the emotional and physical toll of staying constantly alert, worried about falling asleep in case their loved one needs them.
“Many are exhausted, overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.
“This is why our night-sitting service exists. It is often the difference between exhaustion and relief, fear and comfort.
“It brings calm into the chaos and light into the dark for families at their most vulnerable.”
But with demand for end-of-life care continuing to rise, the hospice urgently needs the community’s support to keep this essential service running.
St Clare Hospice has now launched a fundraising appeal to raise £75,000 by Christmas, which would fund 365 nights of care throughout 2026.
Donations can be made at stclarehospice.org.uk/night-sitting.
