John was an amazing man who took the treatment in his stride, he was always so positive and such a loving, family-oriented person

In 2022, John was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Occumelanoma which develops in the cells that produce pigment in the eye. John suffered no symptoms prior to his diagnosis, it was picked up after his involvement in a car accident which led him to an eye test where the tumour in his eye was found. Unfortunately, due to the rarity of the cancer, treatment is not funded by the NHS which meant his family had to fund the treatment privately through visits to Southampton for immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

“John was an amazing man who took the treatment in his stride and was always so positive and such a loving, family orientated person.”

After trying all possible treatments available, which included having his eye removed, it was found the cancer had spread to John’s lungs in January 2024 and sadly later began to spread further to his bones.

John was initially cared for at home during his treatment but following a decline in his health that resulted in a hospital visit, Hospice care was suggested to John and his family. John at first wished to remain at home to be cared for, however, after a visit to the Hospice John and his family decided St. Rocco’s was where he wanted to spend his final days.

John sadly passed away at St. Rocco’s Hospice in May 2024, peacefully and surrounded by his lovely family, who all came to visit during his last days.

John’s wife Linda recalls how kind the nursing team were during his time spent at the hospice and the thoughtfulness of the volunteers who would make Linda a cup of tea to allow her to remain by Johns side. The family room in the Hospice also allowed his family to remain close to John and his son would often spend nights next to him while Linda slept in the family room. Linda shared with us her fond memories of John and his son having ice lollies together at the Hospice which made her smile.

“The Hospice is a beautiful and happy place that brings life back to the most difficult time.”

Local to the Hospice, during John’s time working, he gave monthly donations from his salary through his employer to St. Rocco’s and following both John and his families time at St. Rocco’s, Linda’s close connections with some volunteers have since grown stronger.

During his time at the hospice, John’s niece and god daughter Jess had planned on taking a trip to Matchu Pitchu and with the sad news of her uncle now receiving palliative care Jess decided it was the time to turn her once in a lifetime experience into a fundraising ask to raise funds for the hospice. John and Linda both had such a close relationship with Jess and Jess spoke about how her uncle was so supportive of her doing this. With the timing it seemed like it was meant to be and how she wanted to do something to make a difference and give back to hospice.

“The care was second to none and it is important that the Hospice can continue to provide end of life care to those and their families going through palliative care. As a family we will continue to support the hospice as much as we can to ensure we can help future patients and families receive the care that John did. John wanted to be at the Hospice, and we were made to feel so welcome, and the team were so compassionate and caring even for the short space of time.”

It was John’s wish for the funds raised to go towards paying for a portable scanner, which is invaluable to patients at the hospice to ensure they can receive this treatment without having to be moved from the hospice setting. The scanner is a hugely beneficial piece of equipment that can be used to improve patient care through pain management, providing comfort and reducing the need for hospital admissions.

Linda, Jess, and their family explained how nice it was to be invited back to the hospice to see the scanner and the impact it has made to patients since it has been in use and following Jess’ amazing fundraising achievement and contribution, as a thank you and means of recognition from the hospice now has a leaf on our Tree of Life which is displayed in the hospice reception.

Linda and her family recently attended our 2024 Strictly event in December last year, in support of Volunteer and close friend Ann and was blown away with how the nursing team recognised her, greeting her with compassion and kindness. They also came along to our Christmas Market with a Light up a Life service and continue to support and maintain close connections with the hospice going forward.