One Big Thank You Surprise Charlie Dimmock and Jan Swallow at Oakhaven Hospice

One Big Thank You for Dr Jan Swallow

On Thursday 25th July 2024, Dr Jan Swallow received a big surprise on BBC's The One Show. Her friend and colleague, Joy Elphinstone, nominated Jan to receive 'One Big Thank You' - a regular weekly feature on the TV show that shines a spotlight on people who have gone that extra mile in their community.

The One Show presenter, Alex Jones, introduced the feature: "Tonight it's all about 90 year old Jan from Hampshire and very soon we'll see the moment when Charlie Dimmock uses a drone to create a special floral surprise. But firstly this is why Jan deserves some recognition..."

Joy Elphinstone worked with Jan at Oakhaven Hospice: "Jan deserves this One Big Thank You because it was purely her strength of character that got Oakhaven Hospice started."

Thirty four years ago, Jan Swallow, who was working as a Associate Specialist in Palliative Care with Macmillan in Christchurch, was approached by Phoebe Coates who had noticed her local town of Lymington was lacking facilities for end-of-life care, that many patients need.

Without Jan's vision we simply wouldn't be here.

Phoebe Coates generously donated her garden and then her house to the project. Jan was the Medical Director, she recruited the staff and worked tirelessly to raise the hundreds of thousands of pounds needed before Oakhaven opened its doors as a hospice in 1990. The hospice was officially opened by HRH The Duchess of Kent on 7th May 1992.

Jan Swallow in the early days of Oakhaven Hospice

A shining example and inspiration to us all

Jan very quickly realised that they needed to do some fundraising, so she led by example - and she continues to do that now over thirty years later. Five years ago on her 85th birthday, Jan took her fundraising to new heights with a skydive for the hospice.

Sue Washbrook, Day Hospice Sister at Oakhaven Hospice, shared: "For many the word 'hospice' is very frightening. But once here, patients and families find it a safe place. Her work and inspiration has touched so many peoples' lives."

Watch The One Show episode which sees gardening superstar, Charlie Dimmock, surprise Jan with a special floral message before welcoming her into the Coates Centre for some special messages from friends and those who have benefited from Oakhaven's care.

Watch The One Show episode here (Jan features about 17 minutes in)

After receiving her One Big Thank You, Jan said: "Thanks to all of you because its quite the best thing that could ever have happened to me. And I did with all of you. The best people. So there we are."

Many thanks to Duncan at Setley Ridge Garden Centre for the plants.