Care that gave us time: Duncan’s story
“This place was overwhelmingly welcoming to me and it didn’t take long for me to realise I had some people who were going to fight alongside me.”
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- Care that gave us time: Duncan’s story
When Duncan was admitted to Thames Hospice in July 2025 gravely unwell with Stage 4 cancer and a serious infection, he and his family feared he’d never return home.
With specialist care and support from the Hospice’s clinical team, physio and occupational therapists as well as counselling, Duncan recovered sufficiently not only to return home with his wife Helen for a period, but also to make a VIP visit to watch his beloved Reading Football Club.
Sadly, Duncan died in January, but not before he was able to make many memorable memories with Helen, son Sam, daughter Lyndsey, and granddaughter Phoebe.
When he arrived at the Hospice last summer, Duncan was unable to eat, walk or use the bathroom, and his family were ‘gobsmacked’ by the transformation in his physical and mental condition, which enabled him to spend valuable weeks back in his own home and bed, surrounded by those he loved. All thanks to the holistic care he received from Thames Hospice.
It wasn’t just the clinical care Duncan received that helped him literally and metaphorically back on his feet.
“Being stuck in bed looking at the same four walls is tough,” he admitted, before detailing the support he had from Iulian, a physiotherapist at Thames Hospice.
“He started at my bed, just to get me into a chair and then got me well enough to walk with a walker and finally with a walking stick. He put me though quite a lot of strength exercises and walking exercises.”
Son Sam sums it up: “Seeing someone suffering so seriously in the hospital and how he was, and then gradually coming back to being Dad again – it takes a while to get your head around, but it’s amazing.”
Before leaving the Hospice to return home in October, Duncan described the wraparound care and support that helped him improve so dramatically.
“This place was overwhelmingly welcoming to me and it didn’t take long for me to realise I had some people who were going to fight alongside me. They were just so keen on looking after me, caring for me, chatting to me and making me as positive as possible.
“Within a few weeks I was back feeling better and eating and I quite quickly felt like I had some more life left in me. Three or four weeks after arriving I knew I was going to have a period of feeling better and to move on. To have some time with my family has been amazing.”
Duncan also attended outpatients services, participating in arts and crafts. Meanwhile, counselling, which he first accessed back in April after the initial referral to Thames Hospice, played a big part in his return to something near his old self.
“It’s a tough thing knowing your days are numbered. Lina helped me put things right that were spinning round in my head. She really helped me cope.”
Thames Hospice Pastoral Worker, Carmen, was part of the team that ensured that while Duncan was at the centre of their attention, his whole family was supported too.
“Patients are at the heart of everything we’re here for, but the families are also so important. And what’s important for our patients is knowing their families are going to be looked after.
“It was a lot for Helen to take on, and we talked through the challenges that she may face. I really feel proud of the work we’ve all done and the family’s made some beautiful memories.”
Helen describes that care as being like a ‘big hug’. Son Sam said he was especially grateful to see people having more time for his mum – and thrilled when a surprise for his dad exceeded all expectations.
“We had an idea about doing something with Reading and spoke with the team at the hospice. The Reading captain, Lewis Wing, came and he chatted to Dad for about 45 minutes, just him and Dad on Dad’s bed. It was amazing.”
And there was more to come.
“Reading FC had been keen on getting me to a game for a while,” Duncan said.
“They managed to get me to a game with eight friends and family in a box completely at their expense. It was an amazing day. And we didn’t lose!”
Helen, who spent almost every night of Duncan’s stay at Thames Hospice in a bed at his side, was delighted to have her husband home for a while.
“Duncan was at the Hospice and then we were able to set him up at home. He was able to walk up the stairs and sleep in the bedroom and have a shower.”
Duncan knew his relationship with Thames Hospice would continue even when he was discharged.
“Even now, as part of the outpatient services, I will continue coming,” he said emphatically.
“I can see no other way really. I’m still going to fight on, and every day is a wonderful one to enjoy.”
When the Thames Hospice at Home team visited Duncan and found his condition had deteriorated it was agreed, in line with his and the family’s wishes, that he be readmitted for inpatient care.
After a few weeks, Duncan died peacefully at Thames Hospice, with his family at his side at the end of January.
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