Gordon's Story

Aged just 57, Gordon has been staying on our In-Patient Ward after being rushed to hospital and being diagnosed with terminal bone cancer in late 2021.

“When the doctors first told me they wanted to refer me to the Hospice, it was an adamant no – I did not want to go. I didn’t know what it would be like – I thought it was the house of doom, that I’d be going there to die and I’d sit in a dark corner, watching the clock, counting down the days. After coming for a trial, I realised it’s the best place, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. 24/7 they’re there – if you need to talk to them, or need them to do something for you, they’re there; my nurse call button is like a hospitality call – a push of a button is all it takes. The gardens are great, most days I get out there, go for a walk, it helps me to clear my head. Being at the Hospice has helped prepare me mentally for what’s happening, and in turn, that has helped me to prepare my two sons, Lewis and Brad. Telling your children that you’re not going to be around for as long as you’d hoped is difficult and was still difficult but, the Hospice helped me to do it. I also found it pretty amazing, after not seeing Debbie, the mother of my boys for many years, she showed up at reception out of the blue to see me, and has been a rock for the three of us, ever since.

Every day is different on the Ward, some days I might spend time in the gardens, or not leave my room, and binge watch TV – just whatever I feel like doing. I don’t need to feel guilty about it. If I need to talk to someone, I can talk to anyone, but also, they’ll actually leave you alone too. Whether it be for a couple of hours, or a couple of days (not completely unattended), they’re there when I need them, but if I don’t they’ll give me my own space – it’s like they just know what you need.

Gordon died at the Hospice a few weeks after this interview. His sons Lewis and Brad have shared this story in memory of their dad.