Richard was a very kind, caring man, very quiet too until he got to know you… hard working and happy to be at home with his family… loved his dogs, fishing and motorcycles.
When Richard was diagnosed in August, the cancer was already well advanced. In February the next year he was sent home from hospital on constant oxygen and things got steadily worse and he struggled on a daily basis.
A Palliative nurse came out and decided that I couldn’t cope on my own anymore and it was suggested he should go into Cransley Hospice but as they were full so instead it was Cynthia Spencer Hospice, and they said he needed to go asap.
Richard didn’t really want to go but the doctor said he would be better there where they could care for him easier. The staff were very welcoming, and tried to make him comfortable but that was not easy. We did manage to get him outside a couple of times but Rich was so poorly and tired he didn’t want to be out for long.
After five days in there the nurse in charge found out it was our anniversary and when I turned up the next day she had got the staff to collect money for flowers and a card and sent me into his room where he was waiting to give them too me … they really do go further than they need to make peoples time there special if they can. Such a special team.
Richard passed away on July 1st quite peacefully and I knew he had suffered enough … cancer is such a cruel disease to watch anyone you love suffering that way is so so heart-breaking.
The staff were amazing and I made so many friends in the short time we were there, that is why I still go back and before COVID I visited regularly as well as volunteering, raising money by selling cards and calendars made from photos I take in the gardens. I’ve raised quite a good amount through birthday just giving pages… also donations at the funeral went to the hospice too.
Every anniversary of Richards birthday and death I light a candle in the chapel and during COVID when I couldn’t go in one of the staff would do it for me.
Richard had a love for wildlife and I didn’t know there were foxes in the garden until I went back the following morning with my son … on walking round the garden while waiting to collect his belongings … we came across two families of foxes and cubs … trying to not let them see us but they heard us and all ran off except one which stopped and looked back at us as if it was saying goodbye… I think you will know what we thought … another reason why the garden means so much to me.
Our team would like to thank Jeanette for sharing Richard’s story, continuing to support the hospice by volunteering in the garden and fundraising, and most importantly for being part of our Cynthia Spencer family.
By sharing your story with us, and giving us permission to share it, you could help us to raise awareness of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, help to dispel myths about hospice care and help more people to access support.
If you would like to find out more about sharing you story please click this link
By sharing your story with us, and giving us permission to share it, you could help us to raise awareness of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, help to dispel myths about hospice care and help more people to access support.
If you would like to find out more about sharing you story please click the button.
Fill in the form, and one of our team will contact you shortly.
When you complete this entry form you will be sent the terms and conditions to sign and return to us before the activity can begin.