Laura Warren - Patient Relative

“Unfortunately, after a week at home, Dad was re-admitted to Hospice as an inpatient for end-of-life care. My heart dropped when this happened, however in hindsight I can say that this was absolutely the best decision.”

“Our connection with Hospice began following my lovely Dad’s diagnosis with a grade 4 glioblastoma brain tumour in February 2017. Following diagnosis, surgery at Walton and treatment at Clatterbridge quickly followed and it was whilst recovering from this initial treatment that Mum and Dad were put in touch with Hospice.

On their return home, Hospice came to meet Mum and Dad, building connections and identifying ways in which they could help. This initially led to my Dad receiving leg massages, as well as supporting my Mum who was able to access these treatments too.

Unfortunately the aggressive nature of this cancer meant that it quickly returned, and in April 2018 Dad underwent further surgery and radiotherapy. Dad did not recover as well this time and at this point Hospice were able to offer a breathing support group where he would access gym facilities supervised by Hospice staff and following these sessions, He would enjoy having lunch with my Mum in the lovely cafe available at Hospice Isle of Man.

Sadly His tumour returned again a few months after this and there was nothing else that could be done. Dad’s health deteriorated quite quickly and in March 2019 following a fall at home, he was admitted to Hospital, and then to Hospice for respite care. During this time, Hospice put plans in place for Dad to return home, organising all the equipment we would need, and after a couple of weeks Dad returned home.

Unfortunately, after a week at home, Dad was re-admitted to Hospice as an inpatient for end-of-life care. My heart dropped when this happened, however in hindsight I can say that this was absolutely the best decision.

Dad was in a place with all the equipment and expertise needed to care for him and my Mum was able to stay there with him too. All the staff, from the Doctors, Nurses, Health Care Assistant, Kitchen staff and volunteers, provided tremendous support to not only my Dad, but our whole family during this time. It enabled us to just be together with Dad in his last few days rather than having the worrying of looking after him too. We were all made to feel so welcome visiting, including my young children, and we're able to have the doors of his room open onto the beautiful Hospice Gardens from where Dad was able to listen the birds singing from his bed, which I know he loved.

Dad sadly passed away on the 16th April 2019 however the Hospice support did not stop there. Opportunities to speak to councilors was offered, and also advice on how to speak to my children about his death too.

Even after the years that have now past, we continue to stay connected with a Hospice, attending their Light up a Life event at Christmas to remember Dad, along with hundreds of other families remembering their loved ones.

We truly appreciate the support we were provided with by Hospice during this time. As the majority of its funds come from donations and fundraising, we have tried to raise money where we can to support its valuable services, knitting Easter Chicks and making Origami Christmas Stars to sell, and most recently my daughter gained sponsorship to complete the mini parish walk.”