Posted on 24th June 2026
Van loads of support has been guaranteed thanks to a generous donation from a grateful husband.
We cared for Jeff Court’s wife Barbara and he wanted to show his appreciation for the ‘incredible care’ she – and he – received throughout her illness.
Jeff said: “Severn Hospice was there for us when we needed them most. When Barbara became unwell, everything felt uncertain, and I didn’t know where to turn or what to expect. The advice and support we received made an enormous difference to both of us.”
His donation of a mini-van has now taken to the road, supporting the hospice’s retail operation and maintenance teams. Purchased from Furrows Transit Centre, the vehicle will keep our shops operating efficiently – helping them continue to add £1.5 million annually towards hospice care.
Jeff added: “The hospice not only cared for Barbara with compassion and dignity, but they also supported me through what was a very difficult and confusing time. The new van is my way of saying thank you and helping ensure other families can receive the same incredible care.”
Barbara was referred to Severn Hospice following a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) in October 2022, later complicated by frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The hospice’s community nursing team supported her at home, alongside specialist clinics at its Community Services Centre in Bicton, Shrewsbury.
Jeff received support from hospice MND specialist Dr Claire Stockdale and Patient & Family Support Manager Sharon Jones, who provided guidance and reassurance as Barbara’s condition progressed.
Barbara died just before Christmas 2025. This year would have marked the couple’s Diamond wedding anniversary.
Tracie Harrison, our Director of Income Generation, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Jeff for his generous donation. Our retail income plays a crucial role in funding the care we provide, and this van will make a real difference in helping our teams maintain our shops across the region.”
Jeff and Barbara met in London in the early 1960s and went on to build a life together, raising two children and co-founding Infotec, a pioneering company behind passenger information display systems used in train stations across the UK.
Reflecting on their partnership, Jeff said: “We both knew our own strengths, and each other’s. We didn’t need to second-guess decisions because we respected what the other brought to the table. We complemented each other well, and I think that’s what made it work, not just in business, but in our whole life together.”
Tracie added: “Through his donation, Jeff has created a lasting legacy in Barbara’s memory and one that will help ensure other families receive compassionate care when they need it most.”
