“St Elizabeth Hospice gave Dad and my family 24/7 support. Whenever we needed them, they were there,” explained Hugh Langley, whose Dad, John Langley died in July 2013, while under the care of St Elizabeth Hospice, following a battle with prostate cancer.
“Dad’s wish was to die with his family and his cats beside him, in the home that he loved so much. The hospice team made this wish come true and we are forever grateful to them for this.”
Annually, St Elizabeth Hospice cares for more than 3,000 patients and their families throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.
This care sees the independent Suffolk charity providing free services – whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice – to those living with a progressive or life-limiting illness.
“Dad had a mixture of support from St Elizabeth Hospice’s inpatient unit and community team,” added Hugh.
“He was diagnosed with prostate cancer six years prior to his death, and during this time he had regular treatment and support which meant he could still do things he loved such as DIY and making things.
“Towards the last few weeks of his life he went downhill quickly but the hospice team were able to make him as comfortable as possible and also provided great reassurance to us as a family.
“All the hospice staff cared for Dad which such compassion and enabled him to have the dignity he deserved and it meant the world to us that he could come home before he died.
“Dad had lived in Suffolk for 50 years. He was a true gentleman and was an engineer by trade. His career saw him work across India, China and in East Anglia on various projects.
“He also loved his cars, the environment and wildlife, but his main passion was building things and he was so proud of the farmhouse he and Mum had renovated into the home they adored.”
To say ‘thank you’ to St Elizabeth Hospice, for the support they gave his Dad and to mark the tenth anniversary of John’s death, Hugh will be taking on the Monster Triathlon in June.
The endurance challenge, taking place between 25 June and 1 July, will see Hugh swim, cycle and run over 1,055km from Loch Ness to London.
“I have always wanted to show my thanks to St Elizabeth Hospice for the brilliant care they gave my Dad and our whole family,” explained Hugh.
“This year I have turned 50-years-old and it is also the tenth anniversary of Dad’s death. I saw this event and it really caught my attention as a challenge I would like to do in order to raise awareness and funds for the hospice.
“Training is going well and I have done some 110 mile cycle rides as well as plenty of runs and swims. I am really looking forward to the event starting and am extremely grateful to everyone who has supported me and donated to the hospice.”
To donate towards Hugh’s challenge visit www.justgiving.com/page/halmonstertri.