It may have been a typical winter day for most of us – dull, chilly and with Christmas not much more than a fading memory but for the family of Peter Jones, Monday 12 January was a day like no other.
It was the day that Peter, husband to Patsy, father to Lauren and Megan and grandfather to four grandchildren John, Lawrie, Sam and Robin passed away at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd. He was 68. Despite the immense pain and sadness, the family considers itself lucky that Peter was able to spend his last days at the hospice. Pete himself felt much the same way.
Patsy explains: ‘’Pete wanted the end of life he knew he would be able to have here at the hospice. We all felt the same: we really wanted him to be admitted here because we realised what the hospice was all about. “The tension left us as we walked through the door and we immediately felt at home. Everyone here – reception, the café team, the cleaners, doctors and nurses are always so welcoming, so genuine and authentic. They really do care.’’
Pete was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the young age of 16, and then colon cancer at the age of 42, overcoming them both.
His first contact with the hospice came in 2018, soon after he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer at the age of 61. Pete’s GP referred him to the hospice’s Living Well outpatient service to help manage the significant side effects of his chemotherapy treatment.
“He had reflexology and Reiki with Brighid who is a fantastic therapist,” said Patsy. “He really enjoyed these sessions and found them so relaxing: he got so much from just being able to talk. He also really benefitted from the exercise classes led by Naomi, who also helped us secure a disabled parking badge for Pete.”
As Pete’s main carer, Patsy too enjoyed the opportunity to experience various therapies. The couple came into contact with the Living Well Centre again in 2023. Patsy subsequently joined a hospice carer group which she found helpful. “The hospice provides such an amazing support network: everyone just can’t do enough for you,” said Patsy.
As Christmas approached, Pete’s conditioned worsened and arrangements were made for him to be admitted. ‘’Pete was so unwell that we weren’t sure that he would survive the ambulance ride to the hospice. At that point, all we could do was hope that he might survive a few days and yet we had three weeks of life together as a family. “We actually shared many positive moments over Christmas together. Much of that is down to the fact that every member of the hospice team went to enormous lengths to create an environment of care and love that made it possible for Pete to live right up to the end of his life.
“There was good conversation, presents and chocolate lollipops. Despite his physical limitations he still found a way to play with his young grandchildren during their visits. “The Salvation Army band played. The music therapist Hannah Thompson visited the ward and asked Pete what he wanted her to play on her guitar. He asked for ‘Can you feel the love tonight?’ and ‘Your song’, both by Elton John.”
Daughter Lauren shared that the chef was a great example of how the team go above and beyond. “He told Dad he would make whatever he wanted for him. He wasn’t eating a lot but he was then presented with the most beautiful scrambled eggs, which he really enjoyed eating.’’
“The care and love he was shown by everyone was genuine. The hospice helped create magical moments in those final days. We’re all so very grateful for that.”
Daughter Megan added: ‘’The hospice is without doubt the most compassionate, respectful and human place I have experienced. The care they provide – not just to patients, but to families – is really extraordinary.”
Following Pete’s passing, the family embarked on a fundraising campaign on behalf of the hospice which has raised over £8,000 to date.