Bobbie Kennaugh - Patient Relative

"The Hospice teams’ support allowed him to maintain his dignity until the very end. The team made a traumatic time in our lives that much easier, and for that our family will be forever grateful.”

“John Donald Fairbairn (Don) aka Gramps, was a gentle and generous man. He loved the earth, and all that came with it. Very green-fingered, he worked the land all his life: he farmed with his own family as a young lad; had a long career maintaining the island he loved while working in the Department of Fishing, Forestry and Agriculture for 40 years; and in his ‘retirement’ as a gardener until he was no longer able to bend down and get up so easily! 

Motorbikes were another lifelong passion, and he gave up his time happily to volunteer in the Southern 100 for nearly 4 decades. He held many posts over the years, his last position being Vice President. He was well known in the paddock, always eager to lend a hand (even if you didn’t ask!) and always put the riders at ease with a laugh and kind word, especially encouraging the newcomers. His caring nature always shone through in whatever he was doing. 

Gramps was a rock for us all. Always there for anyone who needed help, he gave the best hugs and advice. He loved his family, cheese and jam sandwiches and spaghetti westerns. 

From the moment he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he remained strong and upbeat. He fought head on with all he had, took it all in his stride, and even on the worst days not once did we hear him complain. His positive attitude towards his illness, and life in general, is truly a lesson for us all.  

As a family, we took on the role of caregivers, which he found difficult to accept as he was fiercely independent and felt like a nuisance, but it was a privilege for us to give him the love and care he had shown us all throughout our lives. He wanted to stay at home for as long as he could, so with this, the Hospice at Home team supported us to make this happen. They were a godsend in the tough times. Every person we came across was patient, understanding and most of all compassionate. It was so comforting to know that they were always waiting in the wings ready to step in when required, day or night, rain or shine.  

When Gramps said he was ready, he was moved by the fantastic team to the Hospice and nothing during this time was too much trouble for them. He spent his last night there; comfortable, peaceful and cared for by magnificent staff. The Hospice teams’ support allowed him to maintain his dignity until the very end. The team made a traumatic time in our lives that much easier, and for that our family will be forever grateful.” 

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