Coming back to East Cheshire Hospice was like coming home … a quote from mum Georgia Leah reflecting on her husband Leon’s final journey.
It is 16 months since Leon, a drayman at Wincle Brewery, died from pancreatic cancer, aged 53.
His pain was so bad he was readmitted to the Hospice within 48 hours of going home following a three-week inpatient stay.
Wife Georgia is courageously sharing the couple’s story to raise awareness of how much the Hospice cares for patients like her late husband.
Ruby Leah takes on a nursing role to help her dad.
Georgia features in an emotional video produced by the Hospice and shared with supporters.
The little star of the film is three-year-old daughter Ruby who fell in love with the nurses, even helping them care for her doting dad.
Georgia said: “Leon was an amazing dad. He was so hands-on and loved spending time with Ruby.
Georgia, Ruby and Leon.
“He started to feel pain six months after she was born and it reached the stage where he couldn’t even play with her or read her a story.
“A Macmillan nurse suggested pain management at the Hospice and he was reluctant to go in at first.
“Then he agreed to give it a try. He had his own room and Ruby loved it. That settled Leon and he felt better.
“We spent quality time together. Having a conversation and watching him read her a story and smile was everything.
“When he came out, the Hospice gave us an out of hours number and his pain suddenly got so bad that I had to ring it.
“Coming back to the Hospice was like coming home. When the ambulance took him back, I just knew they’d look after him.
“They also looked after me and were the first to give me a hug, tell me what was happening and help me make some pretty hard decisions in the few hours we’d got left.
“The nursing staff understood and knew what to say. We were also offered bereavement counselling which I found helpful.
“Ruby wanted to be a nurse, carrying medicine and hot water bottles for her dad. I bought her a nurse’s outfit from a charity shop and she carried round a doctor’s toy set. She felt she was helping and looking after Leon.
“The staff became a massive part of Ruby’s life and she’s often been back to say Hi to them.”
* To watch the video visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/campaign/georgias-story/