Julie Jones’ dad Terry Saunders was referred to the hospice after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a type of cancer that develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body’s organs. Here, Julie tells us about her dad and his final craft-filled days.

“After dad’s diagnosis in 2021, he received help from the hospice Care at Home team for several months. The nurses who visited were extremely helpful and ensured dad and the rest of our family were listened to and supported.

Dad was kept comfortable, and mum was supported by us and carers. When dad’s condition deteriorated, he chose to go into the hospice and was on the Inpatient Unit for three months in 2022. Mum stayed with him every night and we visited every day.

It felt like we were able to become his family again, instead of his carers, for those last few months of his life. We spent time in the lovely gardens, and we coloured with dad and helped him make pom-poms for his door and for staff. I still have those pom-poms hanging up at home and make a new one on dad’s anniversary.

We were given support for our youngest son, who has severe autism and learning disabilities, which helped prepare him for his grandad’s illness and death, and meant he was able to visit his grandad on the Inpatient Unit.

I was supported with counselling which helped me cope and got me through the darkest days. My dad wasn’t afraid of dying, but he didn’t want to be alone, and when the time came, he passed away peacefully with us all there.

The hospice is a supportive, caring and uplifting environment that enables patients and their families to experience the best life possible until the end. It is all dealt with in a respectful and dignified way.

I’ve taken part in Starlight Stroll for the past three years in order to raise awareness and vital funds for the hospice so that they are able to continue with the amazing work they do. I will be forever grateful for the support we received and for those precious last few months we had with dad in such a nurturing environment.

I’m now interested in volunteering at the hospice, and I also joined the Community Choir in aid of St Wilfrid’s after I watched their uplifting summer concert. It all helps to give something back.”

Photos show Julie, dad Terry, mum Jennifer, sons Adam and Matthew, and daughter-in-law Ellemay