Since Dad first had cancer 12 years ago, Marie Curie cared for him as an outpatient. They offered him everything from local medical care, to counselling, massage and use of the gym - although as many of you know Dad wasn't a fan of exercise so I think he only used the gym once!

When the doctors gave us the dreaded diagnosis last June, that the cancer had returned and this time was inoperable, the first thing Dad said to me was "Call Marie Curie. That's where I want to be." Only a couple of days later they had moved heaven and earth to give him a room in their hospice on Lyndhurst Gardens, the same road where I had lived with Dad as a child.

From the moment we arrived, the care, love and support we all received was beyond anything I could have imagined. After spending hours talking to Dad, which was not easy at the best of times, the team at Marie Curie had a full understanding of his wishes, what was important to him and how he wanted to end his days.

In the days that followed we had a lot to be grateful for. Dad had a peaceful and private room overlooking the lovely gardens. There was a fully equipped and cheerful family room where all his grandchildren could visit him while he was still able to see them. He was treated to foot massages with classical music and of course his favourite, the famous drinks trolley. And there was more than orange squash on offer, so, to some extent,  he and I could enjoy a G&T together.

Of course, inevitably, pain and weakness kicked in as the illness progressed. True to their word the team at Marie Curie had listened to everything Dad had asked for and they kept all their promises to him. Finally, after 12 long years, he was free of all medical intervention. Just pain relief to ensure he felt no discomfort. Exactly how he wanted it.

Watching someone you love die is devastating. But Marie Curie made the journey for us bearable because I knew Dad was in the best possible place and could not receive better care. Everyone there looked after him as if he was one of their own. With such compassion, tenderness, respect - and sometimes even humour. 

I had heard over the years about the Marie Curie "angels". I thought it sounded a little dramatic. It's not. They are angels and they give those they care for and their families light in the darkest of hours.

The alternative for my Dad would have been to have ended his days in a hospital. All the hospitals that cared for Dad did amazing work, looking after him for many years, but they are no place for the terminally ill. Hospitals know how to make people better. They simply aren't set up to care for those who cannot be saved. 

So, if you can please support Marie Curie to provide as many people as they can with the care, love and dignity they gave to my Dad to end his days.

Thank you,

Emma x