Tracey’s story
Shared by Tracey’s husband, Alan.
Tracey and I first met when we were 13 years old and grew up together during our teenage years. We became a couple at the age of 18, and got married when we were 22. We have three grown-up children – two girls and a boy.
Devastatingly, in August 2018 our world changed when Tracey was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 52.
When a member of your family has a terminal illness, you are entering the complete unknown and you have so many unanswered questions and overwhelming thoughts. I was so grateful to the community nursing team at Sobell House, who completely supported me as Tracey’s main carer for eight months. For me this was such a huge relief knowing that I wasn’t alone and that they were just a phone call away.
Pictured: Tracey and Alan
Tracey first stayed on the inpatient ward at Sobell House in February 2019 for respite care, before spending the last ten days of her life there in April of that year. What was clear to me is that none of the staff at Sobell House see working there as ‘just a job’, for them it is so much more than that. Nothing whatsoever was too much trouble for them, and being under their care was such a relief. One moment really sticks in my mind, which was when a staff member massaged Tracey’s feet. A very simple act of care and kindness, but it meant a lot to us.
Tracey and I grew up in Oxford, and I’ve always known about Sobell House and what they do as other members of our family have been cared for by them over the years. My first impression back then remains the same today – they care for people with such kindness, and provide that same level of care and support to the whole family too.
If you can, I urge you to support Sobell House because our local community needs them so much to support families like ours.
Thank you so much to Alan for kindly sharing his family’s experience of Sobell House.
If your loved one was cared for by our team and you would be comfortable to share your story with our supporters, please fill out our story form.