Neil was first diagnosed with sarcoma in the late 1990s, and after successfully having the lump removed, he made a full recovery and life returned to normal. For Neil, normal was spending time with friends and family, and he also had a real love for Rugby League. He even started playing this himself, before introducing his daughter Ruby to the sport. More than two decades later, in 2023, Neil began experiencing problems with his leg, but after having treatment, he was reassured that everything was fine and there appeared to be no signs of cancer.
Unfortunately, in October 2023, Neil discovered another lump in the same leg, but as sarcoma is such a rare form of cancer, neither Neil nor his family believed it would be a recurrence. Sadly, in early 2024, Neil and his family received the news that he had once again been diagnosed with sarcoma, and further tests revealed that the cancer had also spread to his lungs and liver.
Under the care of Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Neil underwent treatment and surgery to remove the tumour in his leg. Following the operation, Neil and his family felt hopeful about his recovery, and he was looking forward to spending Christmas together with his wife Julie, their two children, Ruby and Callum.
Just before Christmas, Neil attended a follow-up scan, and it was then that the family received the devastating news that the cancer had returned to his lungs and that there were no further treatment options available. Neil and his family were given information about palliative and end-of-life care to consider that would support them in navigating this difficult time.
Throughout 2025, whilst Neil was receiving palliative care, he unfortunately faced several complications and, after becoming increasingly unwell, was admitted to Liverpool Royal Hospital before being transferred to Warrington Hospital. It was during his time here that Neil and his family were introduced to a member of the St. Rocco’s team who explained the services available, and it was then that Neil and his family decided that St. Rocco’s was where Neil wanted to spend his final days.
“I will be eternally grateful for everything that St. Rocco’s Hospice has done”
Neil quickly settled into the hospice environment. While in hospital, he had become increasingly agitated and would often send messages to his wife, Julie, during the night. As soon as he arrived at St. Rocco’s, that agitation disappeared, and he became calm and settled.
During the final three days of Neil’s life, his wife and family experienced first-hand the exceptional care, compassion and dignity provided by the hospice team.
“All of the nursing team were amazing. They couldn’t do enough for Neil and for us as a family. Neil was always kept clean and comfortable, and he never appeared to be in pain. Our family was supported throughout Neil’s time at St. Rocco’s, with drinks and meals provided and the option to stay overnight in the family room whenever we wanted to.”
On the day Neil passed away, Julie remembers how she was able to take a shower at St. Rocco’s. She had been at the hospice for over 24 hours and didn’t have a wash bag or clean clothes with her.
“I felt so anxious about leaving Neil’s side, but the nursing team reassured me that they would come and get me immediately if there were any changes to Neil's condition. They even provided me with clean clothing, a simple act of kindness that meant so much to me at such a difficult time.”
St. Rocco’s has had a profound impact on the hearts of Julie, Ruby, and Callum, and during his final days Neil was cared for in the Poppy room, which inspired Ruby to name her car Poppy the Polo.
Through the care and support they received, and by meeting the volunteers and staff on the inpatient unit, Julie and her family have experienced first-hand the difference that hospice care at St. Rocco’s has, not only on individuals receiving end-of-life care, but to their families and loved ones too.
As a family, they have remained committed to supporting St. Rocco’s in various ways since Neil was cared for. Julie remembers walking past the Tree of Life during visits to see Neil and immediately feeling that she wanted to dedicate a leaf to him.
“It felt like such a wonderful thing to do; to have Neil’s name and a personal message at the hospice means so much to me.”
Julie chose a gold leaf in Neil’s memory and plans to renew it each year as a lasting tribute.
Another meaningful way Julie honours Neil is through a dedicated MuchLoved memorial page. The page shares details of Neil’s final resting place, cherished memories, and information about his Celebration of Life. When inviting family and friends to visit the page, Julie also highlighted the option to leave a donation to St. Rocco’s Hospice and a personal message in Neil’s memory.
“The response was overwhelming. My inbox quickly filled with notifications of donations made to St. Rocco’s, alongside heartfelt messages from loved ones sharing their memories of Neil. It was so lovely to see the messages people left; they’re all still there, and I often go back and read them.”
Each month, on the 14th, Julie continues a special ritual in Neil’s memory.
“I always light a candle and leave a message on Neil’s MuchLoved page on the 14th of every month. The candle burns for the whole day, and it’s something I look forward to doing as a way of remembering Neil.”
Julie’s connection with St. Rocco’s began when her mum was cared for at the original hospice building in Orford. For several years, she has supported the hospice’s Light Up a Life and Christmas Markets event. Following Neil’s death, she has continued to support these events by selling her handmade jewellery, helping to raise vital funds for the hospice.
“I love coming back to the hospice. It makes me feel connected to Neil because this was his home in his final weeks.”
Julie also supports the hospice through a thoughtful initiative called Pocket Hugs. The small, crocheted keepsakes are handmade by a local crafter before being packaged by Julie alongside a heartfelt card. These are available to purchase from the hospice reception; they provide comfort to visitors while helping to raise funds to support the care St. Rocco’s provides.
“I will always get involved in any way I can to support St. Rocco’s and keep Neil’s legacy alive.”
Thank you to Julie, Ruby, Callum, and Neil’s loved ones for their incredible ongoing support.
To find out more about how you can fundraise for St. Rocco’s, click here; to find out more about St. Rocco’s services, click here.
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