For Matthew Robinson and his mum Pauline the care provided to Dad John took away much of their worry and stress so they were able to simply be there as a family for him.
John was diagnosed with cancer in April this year and by May his melanoma had become untreatable so following a GP referral he began receiving palliative care. Pauline recalls: “When the referral to Cynthia Spencer was made I was told about the support we were going to get. I’d been denying we were going to need it but once I accepted it, I was absolutely overwhelmed by the support we were entitled to.”
John before he became ill
“Maxine, one of the palliative care nurse specialists just arranged everything we would need for John’s care at home. She helped book hospital appointments, applied for blue badge access and arranged visits from the doctors to ensure John’s pain was being managed.”
Matthew recalls a special time he shared with his Dad: “I will fondly remember the last time I shared a beer with him listening to a re-run of England winning the One Day Cricket World Cup (Dad was passionate about sport) and also giving him a Turkish style wet shave which was a humbling and intimate moment I will always treasure. “
John passed away at home in June with Pauline, Matthew, his two other sons and daughters-in-law by his bedside. Pauline concluded: “We’re glad John didn’t suffer long but had he been ill for longer I know more amazing support was there if I needed it”
Matthew out on a training ride for his fundraising cycle event
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