Glyn’s Story

Glyn loved Christmas; it was always a special time for him and his family.

“Dad was born on 27th December, so Christmas had always been a double celebration,” said his daughter, Claire. “He loved to bring the whole family together for Christmas lunch. In autumn 2021 he started to lose a lot of weight, and in December his GP sent him for a scan.”

“That year we had a really nice Christmas, but waiting for the scan results was at the back of our minds the whole time,” said Claire. “When we finally heard, the results confirmed Dad had pancreatic cancer, and it was incurable.”

Glyn asked his GP for a referral to Phyllis Tuckwell. “We knew they did more than just end of life care,” said Claire. “They were amazing. They helped Dad get a blue disabled badge for the car, invited him to their Living Well sessions and weekly art group, which he really enjoyed, and even offered Mum carer support.”

“By the end of the summer, Dad was starting to decline. One of Phyllis Tuckwell’s clinical nurse specialists visited and gave him some tips on his diet, which was something he really struggled with. Tori, one of their occupational therapists, visited as well. She gave Dad a tri-walker, which meant he could still go out into the garden, which he loved. She organised for a hospital bed and riser-recliner chair to be delivered, too. They were put in the lounge, so Dad didn’t have to go upstairs to bed. The chair helped him stand when he wanted to get up, and because it reclined Mum could sleep in it, and be by Dad’s side throughout the night. Tori was lovely. She spoke to Dad as a person, not just a patient. Everyone at Phyllis Tuckwell did – it’s one of the things I really loved about them. Dad loved talking to them too; they were so friendly.”

“December was approaching, and although Dad was getting more poorly, he was adamant that we would have one last family Christmas together. We all went over to their house, and Dad managed to open presents and eat Christmas dinner with all of us. It meant so much to have that special day together one last time.”

“As he got weaker, Dad needed more support. Phyllis Tuckwell responded brilliantly. Their nurses visited twice a day, and we always knew exactly who to call if we needed more help. One night, he was really struggling to breathe. One of their night nurses came round and gave him some stronger medication, then Dr Trish came to see him the next morning. She was amazing. She arranged for him to be given a syringe pump, so he could get the medication he needed 24hrs a day.”

“Dad died peacefully two days later. Me, Mum and my brother Paul were all with him. It was as good as it could have been. We will never forget the care and support we received from Phyllis Tuckwell.”