Posted on 9th July 2026

A centuries-old oak tree overlooking our Bicton hospice has inspired a patient living with motor neurone disease (MND) to create a lasting legacy for her family and friends. 

Jackie Christie, who attends our Community Services Centre for clinical appointments and creative therapy sessions, has written and illustrated The Old Oak Tree, a beautifully illustrated children’s story for her great-grandchildren and future generations of her family. 

Wildlife

From her top-floor apartment overlooking the hospice gardens, Jackie spends hours watching the wildlife that gathers around the much-loved oak tree, often sharing those quiet moments with her family. 

“I love watching what I can see from my window,” said Jackie. “All the animals are so busy throughout the seasons. Being on the top floor, you almost feel as though you’re amongst the treetops yourself.” 

Those peaceful moments inspired a story centred on Wise Old Owl and a host of woodland friends, including crows, squirrels and a fox, celebrating friendship, community and the circle of life. 

“I wanted something for my great-grandchildren – a legacy,” Jackie said. “At the creative therapy sessions many people make keepsakes and memory boxes. I liked the idea of sketching the things we’d seen together around the oak tree. I wanted something that would last.” 

Inspiration

What began as sketches in a notebook gradually grew into a fully illustrated book. Jackie created every drawing at home and dictated the story using speech-to-text technology on her tablet. 

The project grew with the support of Holly Dyer, Living Well Co-ordinator, who first heard about Jackie’s idea during one of our creative therapy sessions. 

“Holly is wonderfully encouraging and supportive,” said Jackie. “She helped turn the kernel of an idea into the perfect legacy and gift for my family and friends.” 

For Jackie, the story gently reflects her own experience of hospice care. “Wise Old Owl made a home in the oak tree, which is a lovely place to feel safe and make friends – just like the hospice is to me.” 

Legacy

Printed locally, The Old Oak Tree has proved popular far beyond its original audience. Written for Jackie’s great-grandchildren, aged between one and five, more than 50 copies have now been printed, with teachers requesting copies for their classrooms and readers as far away as Poland and the United States eager to share the story. 

Jackie’s connection to the oak tree runs even deeper. Earlier this year, she had a tattoo of the beloved tree, based on her own design, as a permanent reminder of the place that has brought her so much inspiration and comfort. 

Alongside writing her book, Jackie has also exhibited artwork created during creative therapy sessions as part of our Journeys Through Art exhibitions. 

Holly said: “Jackie’s book is a wonderful example of what can grow from a simple conversation. Art and creative therapy gives people the opportunity to express themselves, reflect on what is important to them and create something truly meaningful. It has been a privilege to see Jackie’s idea blossom into a beautiful book that will be treasured by her family and so many others.” 

“For Jackie, one remarkable old oak tree has become so much more than part of the view from her window. It has become a story that will continue, just like the tiny acorns at the end of her book.” 

Support

We provide free specialist palliative care and support to thousands of local people across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales living with incurable illness. As a charity we must raise £2 of every £3 it spends, and support from the community enables us to continue providing caring services to people across the region.