Many love stories begin with a chance encounter. For Charlie and Wendy Clarke, that moment came on 25 March 1972 at Portman Road's North Stand, during an Ipswich Town Reserves match against Southampton. It was a blind date, arranged by Charlie's best friend and Wendy's sister. Town lost 2-1 that day, but Charlie and Wendy won something far more valuable.
"From then on, as they say, the rest is history," Charlie recalls. They married in 1974 and became devoted season ticket holders, standing through the glory years before eventually claiming seats. Together, they witnessed the FA Cup Final win in 1978, the UEFA Cup triumph in Amsterdam in 1981, and the play-off final in 2000. Charlie had even seen the League Championship win in 1962 – "which was just fantastic."
Their connection to the club ran deep enough that they have two seats from Portman Road's original North Stand in their back garden, salvaged before demolition in 2001. They even purchased a brick in the new North Stand – now named the Sir Bobby Robson Stand – engraved with their names and the date they met.
When everything changed
In February 2022, Wendy was diagnosed with cancer. After treatment, it appeared the cancer had cleared, but hope proved fleeting. "After seeing a specialist, we found it had returned in an aggressive way," Charlie explains.
Following a hospital referral, St Elizabeth Hospice's team began supporting Wendy at their home near Ipswich. "The nurses were lovely and so kind," Charlie says. But as Wendy's condition deteriorated, she was admitted to the hospice's Inpatient Unit in October 2023.
Charlie's initial fears about hospice care were quickly dispelled. "When I first hear the word 'hospice' I feared it would be a cold and morbid place, but that was soon dismissed from my mind when we entered the building. Everyone you met had a smile on their face."
The hospice became a lifeline for both of them. "If I had been at home looking after Wendy by myself, I would have been out of my depth. I am so grateful the hospice was there for us," Charlie reflects. "They took control of our situation, even making sure I had meals when I visited Wendy at the hospice."
Perhaps most importantly for the couple, the hospice welcomed Rosie, their much-loved dog. "It was a real bonus our dog Rosie could visit too – I actually think the nurses looked forward to seeing Rosie more than me!" Charlie jokes. "Most importantly, I knew Wendy was safe, and I could visit her every day with Rosie."
A Christmas to remember
Wendy remained on the Inpatient Unit over Christmas 2023, and the hospice staff ensured it would be a celebration the couple would never forget. Understanding this would likely be their last Christmas together, the team went above and beyond.
With the hospice's help, their church choir visited Wendy and performed a carol service in the conservatory. "The nurses also decorated the ward with festive decorations and handed out presents to patients," Charlie remembers.
On Christmas Day itself, the hospice provided a proper Christmas meal, and Charlie and Wendy were joined by their two best friends for lunch, where they exchanged gifts. "It was such a lovely thing for the hospice to do."
As Christians, Charlie and Wendy were also grateful for the spiritual support provided by the hospice's spiritual care team during this time.
A special visit from the Blues
One highlight stood out above all others – a visit from Ipswich Town players. "We couldn't believe it," Charlie says. For a couple whose relationship literally began at Portman Road, the gesture held profound meaning.
Despite her declining health, Wendy managed to attend Ipswich's first home game back in the Championship in 2023 against Stoke City. "And we won!" Charlie adds. It would be the last match she attended, but what a game to end on.
The football club's support didn't end there. After Wendy's death, they included a tribute to her in a match day programme and graciously allowed Charlie to transfer her season ticket to his nephew, so he can continue attending games.
Life after loss
Wendy died aged 72 in February 2024 whilst under the care of Park View Care Home. The hospice had helped arrange the transfer, and the care home proved to be "a lovely place to be" where the couple shared a special Valentine's meal together, celebrated Rosie's fourth birthday, and marked their 50th engagement anniversary.
But St Elizabeth Hospice's care didn't end with Wendy's passing. In early March, before Wendy's Thanksgiving Service, Charlie joined the hospice's bereavement support walking group, Walk On. There he met Dennis Tattoo, a volunteer who leads the group. "He is a great chap – just so friendly."
"Walking has always been something I enjoyed, and I have found Walk On to be so helpful both for myself and all the others who attend," Charlie says. "The conversations flow informally, and you meet people in similar situations to your own."
Coincidentally, Wendy's sister Valerie also died, and her partner Paul attends Walk On with Charlie. "He too has found it to be beneficial – crucially, each walk ends with a coffee and cake!"
Charlie has also purchased one of the hospice's Material Memory Bears in memory of Wendy, made from the dress she wore on their honeymoon – a tangible reminder of their early days together.
Moving forward
These days, Charlie and Rosie make use of their beach hut in Old Felixstowe, at the dog-friendly beach. They've named it 'Wendy House' and regularly visit for days out and walks in the fresh air. It's a new chapter, but one where Wendy's memory remains close.
Charlie's experience with St Elizabeth Hospice has given him a deep appreciation for the charity's work. "St Elizabeth Hospice's care was beyond our expectations. It was exactly what we needed at the time," he says.
Now, as the hospice launches its Be a Star Christmas appeal for 2025, Charlie is supporting the campaign. The charity will provide vital care to more than 1,300 people living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses this Christmas, and their families, across East & Mid Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney. For many, it will be their last Christmas spent together.
"The hospice's services are so important all year-round, but even more so during the festive period when being together with family and loved ones is something we all cherish," Charlie explains. "By supporting the hospice's Be a Star appeal, you will be helping people in your local community be together this Christmas with the support of St Elizabeth Hospice."
The bottom line
Charlie and Wendy's story is one of enduring love and the power of care. From that first meeting at Portman Road to their final Christmas together, theirs was a partnership built on shared passions and unwavering support. St Elizabeth Hospice didn't just provide medical care – they gave the couple precious time, dignity, and memories that Charlie will treasure forever.
As the charity asks the community to Be a Star this Christmas, Charlie's message is clear: this support makes all the difference when families need it most.
