Caroline's Story

At the age of just 44, Chris was diagnosed with a tumour which meant his illness was not treatable. He was referred to Hospice in the Weald in January 2020. Caroline, Chris’s wife shares how the support from Hospice in the Weald enabled them to live a normal family life with their son, Thomas and the family Dog, Dillon.

Caroline shares her story as part of our Light up a Life appeal, where we encourage people to remember their loved ones and celebrate their life. The loss of a loved one can be felt more deeply during Christmas so we invite you to attend our Light up a life service, held in our beautiful Hospice Gardens to remember those you love during this festive season.

Add to our dedication page, via our website to donate in memory of your loved one, and have their name included in the book of remembrance.

“I thought people went to hospices for end-of-life care; in my mind it wasn’t about keeping people well enough to live their lives, helping them to go home or helping their families.”

Chris spent four days in hospital before moving to the In-Patient Ward at the Hospice. At the Hospice, his symptoms could be managed, and his family could stay with him. “The Hospice catered for everyone’s needs, little things like putting food in front of me meant so much.  Even finding dog treats for Dillon; yes, he stayed with Chris at the Hospice too.”

Chris and his family were able to return home a week after arriving at the Hospice, in time for his son Thomas’s 15th birthday.

“We enjoyed three more months living at home with the Outreach Nurses visiting us once a week. Chris was young and the fittest person anyone knew. The Hospice’s ‘what if’ plan allowed life to be as normal as possible. We could leave the house with a level of confidence. We could walk the dog, see friends and family and Chris could still use his stationary bike at home.

The Hospice nurses are there for you any time of day or night; even when Chris had gone to sleep, if I was upset they were there to give me a hug and it meant so much. I had minimised the time our 14-year-old son, Thomas, spent at the hospital. The Hospice was different though; he could spend time with his Dad in a calm environment. They weren’t just supporting us, they were supporting the whole family – Chris’s parents, and his brother too. They catered for everyone’s needs, little things like putting food in front of me meant so much. Even finding dog treats for Dillon; yes, he stayed with Chris at the Hospice too.

“Chris was an incredible Dad and partner. It is still painful, I still expect him to come through the door every evening. He should still be here, we should be making new memories and plans for the next mountain he could cycle up!”