When Julie’s dad, Brian, was nearing the end of his life, she knew he couldn’t spend his final days in a hospital. Brian, an active landscape gardener, was diagnosed with leukaemia at 60. His health declined when a cold lingered, and his leg began swelling, prompting Julie to insist he see a doctor. The diagnosis was Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, a fast-progressing cancer.
Brian underwent months of chemotherapy and went into remission after six months. However, the cancer returned more aggressively, and although he initially refused further treatment, he later agreed to a bone marrow transplant, which proved successful. Two years later, Brian was in remission again and able to live more fully. But soon after, his weight dropped, and he ended up back in the hospital.
“The effects of the chemotherapy had caught up with dad – his body was exhausted. One night, after three long weeks in Newcastle hospital, he called us and decided that was it – he wasn’t finishing the treatment. He told us that he didn’t want to die there and wanted to be at home.”
But when Brian began to struggle getting back into his own bed at home, he realised it was too much for Julie’s mum to manage him alone. With time running out to arrange care at home, Brian came to Eden Valley Hospice.
“We felt such relief knowing dad was going to be looked after by the hospice. We left the cold, clinical atmosphere of the hospital ward and walked into the warmest, most welcoming place. Straightaway, we all felt cared for.”
Brian’s room quickly became home from home for his family, including one very special four-legged member who stayed with him day and night.
“When the nurses told me that dad’s dog was welcome to stay, I couldn’t believe it. The moment he saw Sheba, he had the biggest smile. It was a special moment because the medication meant dad didn’t always react. It meant the world to me too, because I was petrified something would happen while I was at home letting Sheba out.”
It wasn’t only this kindness that left a lasting impact on Julie. It was also the way the hospice supported the whole family.
“The entire team was incredible. They knew when to be sensitive and when to make us laugh – it made all the difference. The way the community chaplain, calmed dad and the comfort a simple hand massage gave him was incredible. Honestly, I couldn’t believe my dad – a real man’s man, agreed to it – but he loved it!”
That care and compassion meant everything to Julie and her family in Brian’s final days.
“Without a doubt, the hospice made sure dad’s last days were just as he would’ve wanted – he felt content. We were able to walk away with better memories too, which I don’t think would’ve been possible if he’d been at home. It gave us a sense of peace.”
“I think most people would want this for their loved ones – it’s something I’ll always be grateful for. That’s why, as a family, we donate and believe in remembering the hospice in our Wills to help other families receive the same comfort and support when they need it most.”
