When Kevin needed specialist care, Farleigh Hospice was there for him and his family. His daughter, Laura, shares their experience.
“My Dad, Kevin, was a very kind, caring and thoughtful person. Our family was everything to him.
About 15 years ago, he was diagnosed with a rare, non-treatable cancer in his kidney. After treatment, he was well for a time, but the cancer later returned and spread. He was given trial drugs which slowed it down and gave us more time.
In October 2023, we were told there was nothing more that could be done and were referred to Farleigh Hospice.
When I heard the word ‘hospice’, I only thought of end of life care, but it provides much more than that.
Farleigh arranged personal care at home, with carers visiting twice a day to support Dad and help my Mum. They were kind, flexible and always focused on what Dad needed, while also supporting us as a family.
He was later admitted to the Inpatient Unit on Christmas Day 2023. We were very worried, but the care was calm, warm and reassuring. Mum and Dad even shared Christmas dinner there.
After a short stay, Dad returned home with continued support from Farleigh before being readmitted in February 2024 for end of life care.
The care never felt clinical. He was supported to do the things he still enjoyed, including time in the gardens and our reiki sessions. The Sanctuary room became a very special place for us as a family.
We were able to visit regularly, and Dad passed away peacefully on 20 February 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.
Farleigh Hospice’s care made a huge difference to my Dad and our family. The staff were calm, kind and treated him with dignity, helping us through an incredibly difficult time.
We will always be very grateful.”
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Our care is only possible thanks to the generosity of our community. Every gift and every act of support helps us continue to be there when people and families need us most.