How the Hospice cared for Dad

Mick Anderson's loving family held a special golf day in his memory and raised over £3,000 so Saint Francis Hospice can help more people like Mick and their family when they need it the most. Here, his daughter Katie May shares how the hospice isn't a place to be feared and how it became a home to home.

When a nurse suggested that Dad go into a hospice to get his pain under control I was one of the first to say absolutely not. We had powered through for the last few months so why would we send him somewhere like that now. When you think of a hospice you imagine somewhere depressing where people go to die.

I couldn't have been more wrong. The day we walked into Saint Francis Hospice we felt the love and support we had been looking for since Dad got ill. Not only did they look after Dad but they supported all of us. We felt like we could breathe again and resume our roles with in the family rather than being care givers. It was a home from home where Dad would some days have picnics in the grounds with 20+ family member or other day's just cuddle up to our dog Paddy on his bed. My family was very hands on with my dad's care and would be with him from the moment he woke up in the morning until he drifted off to sleep at night. We were never made to feel like we were in the way.

Finding light in the darkness

When Dad passed away on the 7^th of May 2019 we vowed as a family we would do as much as possible to not only raise as much money as we could but also raise as much awareness of the hospice as possible.

The Anderson Cup was our latest fundraising event and it was organised by my husband Zach May. My dad was a keen golfer and loved a get together so it was very fitting that we arranged a society golf day and evening event. Our wonderful family managed to raise over £3000 that day. All in the name of our incredible Michael Anderson.

We will be forever grateful for all that the Hospice did for us over the time Dad was there. I really hope sharing our experience of this wonderful place opens up people's minds and allows them to seek the help when they need it the most. Remember you are not alone in this.