I will be eternally grateful...

"The treatment that Peter received at Willen was wonderful.  The care and respect shown towards him was amazing.    It does not feel like a hospital but rather as though you are in someone's home. "

When Peter French was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour it turned his family upside down, it felt like there was no hope for the last months of his life. That was until his partner, Chris, was recommended the Hospice by their doctor.  Peter French was just like any other hardworking, determined 54 year old when he was diagnosed with Anaplastic Astrocytoma, which is a type of brain tumour. Always a healthy person, Peter played golf on a weekly basis so the news came as a massive shock to his family and friends. His partner Chris became his main support and was with him until the very last day. She describes his illness;

“It was located in the right frontal lobe and because of its size and position was inoperable and incurable.”

It was some time after that Chris looked into Willen Hospice, she like many others saw the Hospice as a final place, effectively where one goes to die.

“As Peter’s condition deteriorated our GP recommended that Peter be admitted to the Hospice. Although we were initially against the idea, his doctor convinced us that it was the best place to go for all round care.

Peter stayed at Willen Hospice as an in-patient for four weeks, until his condition was stabilised enough for him to return home where he received on-going treatment and care from the Community Care team. Chris became actively involved in Peter’s care and says that:

“The staff were more than happy for me to do this and involved me in all aspects of his care. They even taught me to test his blood sugar levels and inject him with the correct dose of insulin… as he’d become a diabetic.  Willen Hospice gave me the ability to care for Peter in the final few weeks of his life. They enabled me to draw on strengths I did not even know I had. With their help I was able to give Peter his final wish to die peacefully at home. I will be eternally grateful to them.”

As enough time has passed, Chris is to become a volunteer at the Hospice - which she is very much looking forward to. Chris’ daughter, Francesca, is running in the London marathon for us this year; you can sponsor her at http://www.justgiving.com/fransbigrun

"Peter was happy in Willen;  everyone had time for him, day and night.  They are always there to listen and give you a hug.  Peter was treated with respect and compassion at all times.  Importantly, so was I"