When David was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his family knew they wanted him at home, surrounded by love. With support from Dr Kershaw’s, they were able to be a family again — right until the very end.
“We could just be a family again”
When David Parker was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his family knew they wanted him to remain at home, surrounded by the people he loved most. As his condition deteriorated, caring for him became increasingly difficult for his wife, Sue, and daughter, Vicky. That’s when Dr Kershaw’s stepped in, providing vital support before David peacefully died at home in May 2024, aged 74, with his family by his side…
“Dad was the kindest man anyone could meet. He would never want anybody to go without, and you could always rely on him. He was our constant.
In his younger days, Dad joined the Merchant Navy and later worked as a chef on the dining cars for British Rail, where he met my Mum. They later had myself, and then became grandparents to my son, Ben. Dad brought laughter wherever he went — he loved a bit of banter and making people smile. Later, he worked as a porter at Manchester Royal Infirmary, where he was loved by patients for his humour and kindness.
At home, he was always fixing things — nothing was ever thrown away ‘just in case.’ If something needed repairing, Dad would find a way. He took great pride in maintaining our home and loved tinkering around, always making sure the house was warm and welcoming. I remember when I was at senior school, I complained that my feet were freezing while standing in front of the fire. The next day, Dad had cut up pieces of carpet and carefully shaped them to fit inside my shoes — just to make sure my feet were warm. As his daughter, there was absolutely nothing I couldn’t go to him about. He always told me not to worry about anything.
In Dad’s final two weeks, along with Caring Hands, the Hospice at Home Team became part of our family. They were there day and night — always just a phone call away.
Dad retired at 65, but not long after, he was diagnosed with COPD. He later contracted Covid-19 during the pandemic, leaving him with a severe lung infection. He never fully recovered and this led to him becoming increasingly bed bound. However, an investment in a mobility scooter gave Dad a new lease of life and he could get out and about again. In January 2024, Dad was admitted to hospital after feeling increasingly unwell. Shortly after, he was sadly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and things changed very quickly. Dad didn’t want to talk about his diagnosis and we respected this. Our focus became making sure he felt safe, comfortable and never alone, as he was always frightened of being by himself.
Mum and I had cared for Dad at home for the last four years, but as his condition worsened, we knew we needed more support. That’s when Dr Kershaw’s Hospice came into our lives.
From the very first visit, the Caring Hands Team were incredible. They came four times a day, bringing not just care but reassurance and comfort. Dad loved having them there, even having a laugh with the team — he would often ask, “what time are the girls coming?” Just knowing they were visiting made such a difference to all of us.
In Dad’s final two weeks, along with Caring Hands, the Hospice at Home Team became part of our family. They were there day and night — always just a phone call away. No matter how many times we called, even in the middle of the night, they came without hesitation and never once made us feel like a burden.
Because of them, we could step back from being carers and just be a family again. We spent quality time together, I would lie next to Dad, while Mum sat nearby doing a crossword or watching TV. Those moments together mean everything to us now.
Having the support from Hospice at Home was incredible. Dad was able to stay at home, just as he wanted, surrounded by the people who loved him. The team explained everything to me so that I could, in turn, support Mum as she was finding it difficult to accept. Dad was frightened and anxious, but they reassured him and were simply wonderful in the way they cared for him. He was treated with such compassion — as if he were their own Dad or Grandad.
I lay with Dad the morning he passed- a privilege, of course, but a part of me left with him too. There was nothing I wouldn’t do for him. I was always wrapped around my Dad’s finger, but the truth is, he was just as wrapped around mine.
To say thank you doesn’t feel enough. We will never truly be able to find the words or show enough gratitude for the difference the Hospice made to our family during the most heartbreaking time.
We will be forever grateful.”
A lasting impact
David died at home on 19 May 2024, aged 74, surrounded by his family.
The care and support he received from Dr Kershaw’s has left a lasting impression.
And the Hospice’s support didn’t end there. Through the bereavement group, Vicky’s mum, Sue, found comfort among others who truly understood how she felt. That shared experience brought her reassurance and helped her begin to navigate life without her husband of 50 years.
In his memory, his family are now supporting the Hospice — from joining the Lottery to getting involved in events — helping to ensure other families can experience the same care and compassion.
They have already raised over £300 at a Christmas event in David’s memory, with more planned — including taking part in the upcoming Golf Day and a special fundraiser to celebrate Sue’s 80th birthday.
🩷 Because every moment matters 🩷
To say thank you doesn’t feel enough. We will never truly be able to find the words or show enough gratitude for the difference the Hospice made to our family during the most heartbreaking time.