Rob kindly shared his and his Dad’s experience of St John’s care with us for Light Up A Life this year.

“My Dad always supported the Hospice. He came to this service every year. In June 2022 he took part in the Moonlight Walk walking for all the friends he had lost, and raising vital funds for the Hospice. We were so proud of him so on social media I said “So proud of my Dad doing the Moonlight Walk last night he’s fit as a fiddle is the lad”. Little did we know everything was going to change.  

A couple of months later in August 2022 my Dad got diagnosed with a brain tumour. The operation to examine it affected his speech, understanding and his hearing & we were given the news he had 4-6 months to live with stage 4 glioblastoma: a fast-growing brain tumour. We were all devastated at this news but as a family all remained positive. I did so much with my Dad in these months, I took him to all his favourite places, watched all his favourite films with him and supported my Mum and family the best I could.  

In these months St John’s offered us respite care to give my family a break from caring for Dad, they were amazing. He had massages, friendly faces coming in to chat with him including Shaun. Dad bonded with Shaun well and really enjoyed his company.  

In January 2023 Dad’s tumour was making him hallucinate and act differently. I didn’t know what to do so went to the Hospice and asked for help. Straight away they gave me time and got a plan in place to bring my Dad in. Mum really wanted him to be at home but I knew if he went into St John’s she could be a wife and be there for him, rather than a carer.

On the 20th January 2023 my Dad was taken to the Hospice. We didn’t know how to feel about this but all knew it was the right thing to do for all of us. We were welcomed by kind friendly staff and instantly felt at ease. Dad’s 76th birthday was on the Saturday 21st and all the Hospice team gave us the garden room to celebrate it so we could all be together and they even made us a cake!

Me and my three sisters stayed at my Dad’s side for four full days, sleeping at St John’s. They fed us and were so kind. My Dad was in the right place and getting the care he deserved. The team were gentle and kind to my Dad and I will never forget that everyone who works at the Hospice are angels and very special people.

We lost Dad on the 25th of January and life is really tough without him. We miss him so much as he left behind a wife, four kids and nine grandchildren who have all been affected in some way by his loss. Thanks to the Forget Me Not Centre for helping us all grieve, especially my Mum who got counselling too. The Hospice holds a special place in our hearts, and we will always continue to support it.”