Three years ago my dad, Howard, was diagnosed with Mesothelioma,
a cruel form of lung cancer caused by exposure to Asbestos.  At the time we thought we had six months left but with courage he faced all sorts of treatments, trials and procedures and we were blessed with three years of memories and experiences which I will cherish for
the rest of my life.

My dad dearly loved his family and his home and wanted to spend his last days there.  The nurses from The Princess Alice Hospice visited him at home and he and my mum were able to visit the Hospice for therapeutic massages and outpatient treatments.  About two months before he was admitted, he took me to the hospice for the first time to be shown round and to have a lemonade in the garden looked after by volunteers.  I was made to feel at ease because I could see that he was at ease and this prepared me for what was to come.  My sisters also visited at different times.  This seems small but was so important in my acceptance of this being a key part of his journey and not a place to be afraid of.

Sadly there came a time when the specialist care he needed was
not possible at home due to the complex medications he required.  He was admitted as an inpatient and was looked after by The Hospice doctors and nursed for his last two weeks.  

Everyone I met at The Princess Alice Hospice cared.  From the small things like allowing pets into the rooms, providing flowers and the regular tea rounds to the big things like the medical team who know that cancer affects the whole family.  It really is a wonderful place.  The Sunday roast is pretty good too.

The sad part about The Hospice is that the funding it receives from the NHS is incredibly limited at just 15%.  This means The Hospice has to contribute 75% towards its running costs.  I hope that we can help with this challenge.

I knew Howard as an incredible father, role model and inspiration.  You may know him as a friend, colleague, golf buddy or perhaps through my family.  What I can tell you is that he would be touched if you could offer something to the continued running of an incredible facility and community filled with compassion and care. 

Thanks for your donation and support. I hope we can make a difference.