Unfortunately, our bungalow wasn’t adapted well enough for Joan’s needs. She previously had a stroke and with the COVID-19 she had difficulty moving around. She came back into North Tees and because I was critical by this point they put her in a side room next to me so that we would spend what we thought was our last night side by side.

I was desperate to go home but the COVID-19 had made me really poorly. I was so ill that they called my family. My son Michael came to see me but he had so much PPE on I thought he was the Doctor and asked again if I could go home. That’s when he said “it’s me, Dad, Michael.” We laugh about it now but it was a very sad time, Michael said that I was on ‘death’s door.’ North Tees did a wonderful job and brought me back from deaths door. They gave their time, they stayed back after their shifts to help look after me and their phones for my family and I to say goodbye. At the time I was so ill they thought I was going to die.

I missed being at home with my wife, Joan, terribly. I have cared for her Since she had a stroke a few years ago and hadn’t spent this long away from her since I was in the Army.

Michael helped to get me referred to Alice House Hospice.

Ever since the day I came here it’s like the ‘doors have opened.’ The staff are wonderful, I have my own room and can look out of the patio doors to the garden. It’s like coming into a hotel!

I can’t praise the lasses enough, the care I have received has been excellent. Dr James has given me a firestick with movies on for me to watch, they just can’t do enough for me.

The food has been wonderful. I lost my dentures somewhere between North Tees and here and because the dentists are closed at the moment I can’t get fitted for some new ones – but it’s OK because the wonderful Catering Team are mashing and blending my food for me so I can still taste everything, it’s nice to have my taste buds back! I am now working with the physio and can walk the length of the garden.

Although I am now free of COVID-19 I am building up my strength before I go home. Joan has been shielding and the staff at Dale Care have been amazing caring for her during this time when I haven’t been able to.  I speak with my wife every day but it has been a long 4 months away from her.  It is our Diamond Wedding anniversary in August next year and we can’t wait to have a meal and celebrate with all the family, we’ve got 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and it will be wonderful to be with them all together again.”