People think hospices are just a building where you go to spend your final days. They couldn’t be more wrong. I have been admitted to their In-Patient Unit on four occasions now – and leave feeling revived.
September 26, 2024
Andrew’s story
When Andrew was diagnosed with terminal cancer a few years ago, he felt scared and alone. Four years later Andrew was living his ‘best life’ thanks to the support of the St Gemma’s team.
Andrew told us:
“What can I say about St Gemma’s? I can’t praise them enough. The whole team have helped me come to terms with my illness, supporting me every step of the way.
The team there are first class – they provide skilled care and support around the clock. Last time I was there, I was too active to stay in bed. I love nature, so I spent hours in the gardens with the gardening team and picked up some new skills! I fed the fish in the pond and befriended a crow who would hop onto my patio every day at the same time. The chefs even cooked my favourite Caribbean food – it was just incredible, they do anything for you.
It’s like a 5-star hotel and you are treated as an individual.
Now I’m at home with my family and I have regular visits from my St Gemma’s specialist nurse, Juliet. We talk about everything and she is my lifeline, she does a brilliant job. They have some amazing therapists, like Chrissy, who come and see me too and they help me with all kinds of things from arranging equipment to helping manage my symptoms and making me more comfortable. It’s all these people working together that makes St Gemma’s so special.
It’s like they have all been hand-picked, they are brilliant.”
Andrew was recently re-admitted to St Gemma’s and died peacefully at the Hospice on his birthday. Rest in peace, Andrew.