By playing Local Hospice Lottery in support of Rowans Hospice your helping people in your community, like Nick. In October 2019, Nick was diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, which had already spread to his liver.  Nick’s family’s world came crumbling down knowing 2019 would be their last Christmas together as a family.

What followed was a bumpy and turbulent time, alongside the COVID-19 crisis, a nationwide lockdown and a gruelling chemotherapy treatment plan. Despite these setbacks, Nick spent six months making memories with his wife, his daughters and his six beautiful grandchildren.  He had the honour of walking daughter Caroline down the aisle on her wedding day, welcomed his sixth grandchild into the world, celebrated another birthday with his family by his side, as well as being at the heart of a family photo shoot to ensure they all had a photo which included his newest granddaughter.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and restrictions in early June, Nick made the decision to die at home surrounded by his beloved family with the Rowans Hospice at Home nurses caring for him. Nick sadly lost his battle on 9 June 2020 at 6:50pm surrounded by his wife and his daughters.  His daughter Caroline has shared these words with us:

“As a family we cannot thank the Rowans enough for their support; the Hospice at Home nurses who attended the house multiple times, and did their utmost to make Dad’s last days as comfortable as possible. The Meerkats Bereavement Service helped us explain death to our children and the Living Well Centre nurses who continually supported us, listened to us cry, checked in on us when we needed it most and are always at the end of the phone when we need them.”