In December 2015 something I have feared and dreaded my entire life happened, my dad was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, he had only weeks to live.

On New Years Eve Dad was admitted to St Cuthbert's Hospice, a place I know so well, having worked there for a year at this point. Dad always liked the hospice and had visited several times both prior to and during my employment even driving me to my job interview back in 2014. Little did we know what the next year would bring.

Working at St Cuthbert's I knew how good the care was, how lovely the staff are and how much they truly care. Knowing this and experiencing this are two very different things. I stayed at the hospice with dad for the four nights he was there. I was terrified. My dad, the man I loved so much, was dying before my eyes and there was nothing I could do. The nursing staff made every effort to make sure dad was comfortable as well as reassuring and support me and the rest of the family.

The hospice is not like a hospital. For two weeks of dad's precious final month with us he had to stay in hospital for tests. Dad did not enjoy it for many reasons but the main issue was that we were restricted to a few hours of visiting a day. The hospice on the other hand allowed us to visit any time for any length of time, or in my case to stay over. They even presented us with a bottle of Bucks Fizz and some champagne glasses so we could celebrate new years day. The thought that goes into the care at St Cuthbert's Hospice made such a difference to dad's final days and we will always be thankful for that. 

11:50am on January 4th 2016 my incredibly brave dad passed away at the hospice, surrounded by the love of his family. 

The hospice is about making the most of the months, weeks, days or even hours that you have left. With that in mind, on June 4th, five months to the day since dad passed away, we shall be running (yes, I said running!) and hurtling over (falling over) obstacles whilst being splattered with paint in honour of the wonderful and dearly missed man I was so privileged to call dad.

This is for you Papa Bear. I love you always and forever.

Your little Nicky Noo Noo xxx