Natalie here, Richard’s eldest daughter. On behalf of the family I’ve created this page to share dad’s story which we hope will shed some light on the invaluable work of Hospiscare, who were - and remain - a light in our darkest hours.

On the evening of Sunday 21st May we said a heartbreaking goodbye to Richard; dad, husband, brother, son, and a dear friend to many. Love was all around him, we were with him to the very end, enveloped in the care, kindness and respect of the Hopiscare staff in Exeter.

Dad so valiantly endured a battle with advanced pancreatic cancer for just over 12 months, his diagnosis terminal from the start. And while we will never allow cancer to define or eclipse the other 66 years he did of some bloody good living, his resolve over the past year was truly testament to his character. 

It was dad’s decision to leave this world for the next in hospice. He was adamant that this was what he wanted. Hopiscare had gotten to know mum and dad well over the previous nine months, and even though it was gut wrenching to watch him leave the house, it would have been so much more traumatic if we hadn’t had those conversations, or the trust in the Hospiscare team. 

Dad was a pretty private man and we feel no need to share the details of those last few days. Those days will never leave us, but nor will the care and kindness of all the staff at Searle House - Hospiscare’s hospice house in Exeter.

From the minute we arrived they scooped us up. There was immediate relief in not feeling alone anymore, and in the knowing that dad was going to be well looked after and treated with the upmost dignity. It seemed to us that the staff couldn’t do enough for us as a family, they bent this way and that to make sure that they held our hands through it all. It made all the difference, we knew dad’s biggest worry was us - he would have taken comfort in how we were looked after.

Our own experiences make us sure that Hospiscare staff are angels without wings. They create a calm that is indispensable when so much feels out of control, and they make it okay to laugh, cry, smile, and share. 

And it went beyond us and dad. In our time there we saw just as much care and compassion to other families, and for those coming in for respite. 

So in memory of our wonderful Richard we have set up this page to raise funds for Hospiscare, and a space to share memories. We appreciate that it is not an easy time for anyone’s pockets, but if you do feel inclined, any donation would be gratefully received. 

Much love from the Noble family ❤️

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