Harry’s story

As well as providing end of life and pain-controlled care in our Hospice, we have a team of nurses who work across North Hampshire to bring care into people’s homes. In November 2022, Harry was cared for in his home by our team. Harry’s granddaughter, Jade, has told us his story.

A family man

Jade, a performer, and her Grandad had a great relationship. Jade said, ‘‘When he was younger he was in the paratroopers, he always had interesting stories to tell us. He left the paratroopers when my mum was born – his family was his life. He was my biggest cheerleader. He never missed a performance.’’

Diagnosis

Harry was diagnosed with Pleural Mesotheliom – a type of cancer caused by asbestos, on 8 November 2022 and told he had just weeks to live.

On 13 November, Harry started to hallucinate, his family thought he was going to die. Jade’s mum called 111 who sent an ambulance – but she also called Jane – a nurse in our Hospice at Home team, who gave support over the phone. ‘‘Jane called the next day to make sure that my grandad and our family were OK.’’ explained Jade.

Choosing to be at home

Harry told his family he wanted to die at home. So, our Hospice at Home team arranged for a Hospice bed to be delivered to his home and Nurse Amy and other members of the team visited Harry every day to care for him and his family.

Harry didn’t want to go to the Hospice or hospital, his choice was to be at home. Jade said, ‘The nurses were supportive and understanding. They’d say, ‘‘Harry if you’re hurting, it’s OK, you’re not going anywhere. They treated grandad like normal and had a giggle with him.’’

‘‘As a family, we all took it in turns to be there and care for Grandad when he was at home.’’

Harry died on 25 November, at home, with Jade’s uncle and nan by his side.

When asked about the support the Hospice provided, Jade said, ‘‘After grandad died, Amy offered my nan bereavement support. I can’t fault anyone, they were supportive and understanding.’’

Jade also spoke to her family about how the Hospice at Home team, who told her:

‘‘They’re brilliant people, excellent help.’’ – Jade’s mum.

‘‘They were lovely, kind and supportive to the whole family.’’ Harry’s wife (Jade’s nan).

Harry chose not to have a funeral, so the family are spreading his ashes locally, and having a family meal at a pub requested by him.

Choice is so important. At St. Michael’s, we give our patients choice. As far as we can, we want our patients to be able to choose where and how they receive their care. Our Hospice at Home team work tirelessly in our community across North Hampshire to provide care in people’s homes, where they’re comfortable and surrounded by their loved ones.

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