Many people are still not aware of Hospice at Home West Cumbria and the services we provide in our local community, and this is because much of the vital care we provide takes place behind the closed doors of a patient’s home.
We need your story
We rely on personal stories from patients, carers and those bereaved, to share unique experiences of their journey with hospice care and the difference the support from our teams can make during the most difficult of times.
These stories are essential and help us to raise awareness of our services and dispel the myths around the word ‘hospice’. We want to reach people sooner so we can support them to live their best life, and first-hand experiences explain that they don’t have to be alone.
Everyone has a story to tell and each one is precious. For some, it brings comfort to talk about and pay tribute to their loved one, for others it’s a way that they can support Hospice at Home West Cumbria to help raise awareness of our work. But each personal story can also encourage and inspire people to donate or fundraise for us, so we can continue helping those who need our care.
Will you help Hospice at Home West Cumbria and allow us to share your story?
We know it can be difficult to talk about very challenging and personal experiences, but you could make such an incredible difference. If you would consider sharing your story, please contact Hospice at Home West Cumbria on 01900 873173 or email info@hhwc.org.uk. Thank you
Our Stories
Claire received a diagnosis of HER-2 breast cancer in December 2020.
I had everything explained to me including what it was, how it is caused and the best way to help manage my symptoms. Due to radiotherapy, I was told it can take a year to calm down and we set up appointments to do regular lymph massage to help me get it under control and managed. They took measurements and gave me glove and sleeve compression bandages to wear daily that helped with the swelling.
Emily’s dad was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in September 2021 and was given 6-12 weeks to live. Emily said:
We didn’t know if he would make it to Christmas that year, but due to his immense strength and the help of the doctors, nurses and especially Hospice at Home West Cumbria, we were able to have almost a whole year with him. That meant he got to meet his grandson, watch his stepson get married and watch me, his daughter, graduate. Being with Dad almost every day for that final year of his life was the greatest privilege of my life, but we wouldn’t have got through it without the support from Hospice at Home West Cumbria.
Leanne sadly lost her mother-in-law to bone cancer last year, she said:
The nurse that looked after Iris the night she passed was worth her weight in gold.
I thought it was time to put pen to paper and say a big thank you for all the help myself and my dear husband received while trying to cope with his prostate cancer diagnosis.