Patient and family stories

As told by Christopher’s wife, Jeanne.

My late husband Christopher was a man of many talents. He belonged to various choirs, and although I was not a singer, I was a musician. I played the piano and often accompanied him as he sang. Music was his second life, and his love for it was infectious. It was a beautiful partnership, one that brought us countless joyful memories.

As told by Tracey.

I first heard of a ‘celebration of life’ a few years ago – a living wake held by the person who is dying so they can see their family and friends and celebrate life together. After being told my cancer was terminal, I knew I wanted to hold my very own celebration and I planned a big garden party with pop-up food tents, music, and an ice cream bike.

Shared by Sandra’s husband, John.

My wife Sandra was full of life; fit as a fiddle, strong, a keen cyclist and a regular at the gym. In September 2016, myself and Sandra – along with two close friends – took on an unforgettable challenge: cycling from London to Paris. It was a real adventure! A special experience and the kind you never forget.

But just six months later, everything changed.

Jan Hill shares a lifetime of stories that connect her to Sobell House Hospice, and what it means to her to receive our care as a patient.

Sobell House first opened its doors in 1976 and, in 1980, my role in the Oxford Flower Club meant I would come into the hospice to arrange fresh flowers for the ward.

I had been arranging the flowers for a few years before my Mum became very unwell in 1984 and died in Sobell House. A year later I was chatting to Sister Ann and she asked me to consider volunteering and supporting patients on the day unit (now known as Living Well). I was unsure, but soon enough there I was helping out on a Thursday… and I kept coming back for the next 25 years!

Shared by Neil’s sister, Sue.

Neil was my younger brother. He was strong, independent and very tall with a big heart and love for his whole family. Neil loved nature and the great outdoors – when we were younger, we would go skiing and take trips on conservation holidays. Later in his life, Neil planted around 1,000 trees in his field in Wales.

Shared by Jose’s daughter, Isa Filipa.

My Dad, Jose Carlos Rodrigues Cavaleiro, was a wonderful person; he loved life and his family even more. Sadly, in October 2021 Dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and we were told he only had a few months left to live. We were devastated, but he showed strength and happiness even though he was hurting because he didn’t want anyone to see his pain.

Dad was in and out of hospital as it was very hard to control his pain and sickness. The Hospital at Home team started visiting Dad at home to provide him with the medication he needed. We were so grateful for their visits, as it meant Dad didn’t have to travel to the hospital and could be at home with his family instead.