In 2011, Barbara was diagnosed with lung cancer but despite going into remission after treatment, it had moved to both lungs by Christmas 2013.

Chemotherapy made Barbara really poorly and with her husband, Dave, they struggled to remain hopeful.  Barbara felt she had reached her lowest point.

When Barbara came to the Inpatient Unit she could only have liquid medications and food. Barbara says

“They gave me TLC, nothing was any trouble and they built me back up.”

Barbara’s Husband, Dave didn’t initially want her to come to the Hospice but now he is so pleased because Alice House have cared for and improved Barbara’s quality of life.

Barbara said,

“Before I was at my lowest point but after coming to the Hospice my spirits have been lifted; being here has helped me and my family to come to terms with my diagnosis. I have made friends that will always be friends and I feel the Hospice will be a part of my life forever. 

Talking about Day Hospice, Barbara says,

“Coming here means I can talk to people who are in a similar situation, and it gives Dave, who cares for me all the time, a break.  I join in activities, enjoy a massage, have lunch and generally just relax.  I have nothing but praise for the staff and volunteers who all go out of their way to make me comfortable and look after my physical and emotional wellbeing.”

Barbara’s legacy is the desire to dismiss misconceptions of Hospices being somewhere to fear and to stop this being a barrier to getting the right care.