Alan is 72 and has cancer in his bones, recently he had a fall and broke his hip. He was admitted to Fair Havens and, once stable again, he was discharged back home to recover with support from our Hospice at Home team.

He said, “I really didn’t feel that well when I went to Fair Havens. I was in pain, had no appetite and felt quite lonely as my wife couldn’t visit because of the Coronavirus restrictions. But the Care Team made me feel really welcome. They pushed my bed nearer the window so I could see the gardens in the sunny weather. The doctors helped to get my pain under control and by the end of my stay I felt quite cheerful. 

“A plan was put in place so I could go back home and now the Fair Havens Hospice at Home Team visit me every day to help with personal care, making sure I’m comfortable in bed because I can’t move too well. Nothing is too much trouble. Even though they have to wear masks and aprons, they’re doing it with a smile on their faces.
 
“I used to drive past the new Fair Havens in Prittlewell as it was being built, and now I’ve stayed there I can see for myself what a nice place it is for patients and families. We need to keep this hospice. If people weren’t still making donations, it wouldn’t exist for people like me.  

“As soon as lockdown ends, I want to visit again and make a donation to say thank you for all the care I received there, but also at home too.” 

To find out more about how you or someone you know would benefit from the care at Fair Havens, please click here.

If you would like to donate to Fair Havens please click here.

Published in 2020