SANDIE Foxall-Smith, 51, heads St Peter's Hospice in Bristol, the city's only adult hospice. It provides specialised, free care to more than 1,650 people every year with incurable cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

Sandie is married to Frank Smith, consultant surgeon for the United Bristol Healthcare Trust, and has two teenage boys. She lives at Stoke Bishop

What makes the West Country "home" to you?

Being part of the community that I live in and being involved in local growth and projects while also enjoying all that Bristol and the West Country has to offer; the open spaces and diversity of local events that my family can enjoy.

How do you relax?

I walk my dog on the (Durdham) Downs, look after my chickens and enjoy cooking and entertaining.

When and where are you happiest?

When I have all of my family around me, whenever and wherever that may be.

What's your earliest memory?

When my father came home with two donkeys that were going to be destroyed and we kept them in the paddock near our home until they died.

What makes you laugh?

My children's antics.

What do you dream of?

I dream of equality, making a difference, putting something back into society.

What is your greatest fear?

Not seeing my children grow up.

Who do you admire, living or dead, and why?

Marie Curie, who sacrificed her own well-being for science.

What is your worst habit?

Remembering that I have two ears and one mouth – sometimes I am too chatty.

What possession could you not live without?

There is no possession that I could not live without.

What is your greatest frustration?

People or organisations that have a half-empty-glass philosophy.

What is your favourite book?

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery.

What is your favourite word?

Yes.

What would you choose to eat and drink at your last meal?

A glass of Burgundy with freshly caught grilled fish.

What or who is the love of your life?

My husband, Frank.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I would be fascinated to host Ronald Reagan, Mikhail Gorbachev and Pope John Paul II and challenge them on their decisions and viewpoint during their time as world leaders and figureheads.

What law would you introduce if you were in charge?

That every individual has a personal health fund that they can take with them wherever they live and can be used as they require.

What single thing would improve your life?

Four more hours in every working day!

What is your greatest achievement?

Raising a family while still being actively involved in a community homeless project.

What talent do you wish you had?

Languages.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a caring individual who gave back more than she took.

St Peter's Hospice, which costs £5m a year to run, is the official charity for this year's Bristol half-marathon, taking place tomorrow.

For more information, visit the hospice's website at www.stpetershospice.org.uk or call 0117 915 9300.