When Janet was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer with no further treatment options, her family knew her wish was to remain at home, surrounded by everything she loved. With support from Dr Kershaw’s, they were able to honour that wish — ensuring she was comfortable, cared for, and never alone in her final days.
“Mum was able to die on her own terms, on her own turf”
When Janet was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, she faced everything in her own way — with strength and quiet resilience. In her final days, as her condition worsened, her husband Harold and son Martin needed more support to care for her at home. With help from Dr Kershaw’s Hospice at Home and Caring Hands Teams, Janet was able to remain where she belonged, passing away peacefully in her home of 40 years in June 2025, aged 72…
“Where do I even begin with Mum? She was one of a kind. A formidable woman who always put her family first, no matter what.
Born in Oldham in 1953, she grew up in a big, busy family and carried those values with her throughout her life. Family was everything to her — and that never changed.
She met my dad, Harold, when she was just 16, and what followed was a partnership that lasted 56 years. Together, they built a life centred around me and my brother, Paul, and Mum was fiercely devoted to us both. She was protective, loving and always there when we and her four grandchildren; Shannon, Lauren, Thomas and Sammy needed her. She had a fiery side too — quick-tempered, strong-willed and never short of an opinion — but that was all part of what made her who she was.
She worked hard in many different jobs throughout her life, from shop assistant and market trader to working behind a bar and being both a cleaner and lunchtime supervisor in local schools. She loved her home and took pride in everything about it. She was a real home bird but also had a great social life — whether that was playing darts, cards or dominoes, or meeting friends. She was competitive in everything she did and loved to win. She also loved a bargain — the queen of yellow stickers — and had a big heart when it came to animals.
In the last week of Mum’s life, Dr Kershaw’s provided unwavering support, unfaltering smiles, and comfort we will never forget.
When Mum was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, in typical ‘Mum’ fashion she refused to surrender. She carried on being Mum in every way she could, fighting her illness for over two and a half years.
As time went on, her condition worsened, and in her final days, things became incredibly difficult for us at home. Me and Dad were doing everything we could to keep her comfortable. We were desperate to help her, but at the same time, we were worried about getting things wrong.
All Mum ever wanted was to stay at home — the place she loved, where she felt safe, and where she had spent 40 years of her life. We just didn’t know how we were going to make that happen on our own. That’s when Dr Kershaw’s Hospice stepped in, and I honestly don’t think we’ll ever be able to fully put into words what they did for us.
In the last week of Mum’s life, Dr Kershaw’s provided unwavering support, unfaltering smiles, and comfort we will never forget. Mum was the most important person in our lives, and it broke our hearts to see her in such pain. Hospice at Home and Caring Hands were just incredible. They provided professional support, frequently manoeuvring Mum into a more comfortable position and making sure that she got some much-needed rest during her incredibly difficult final days. In turn, this gave Dad and I respite, safe in the knowledge that professionals were providing exceptional care for Mum. During every visit, the nurses made time to talk to both Dad and I about what was happening, asking questions about our welfare, as well as hers.
We were lost before they came in but having them there meant we could step back from the fear of getting things wrong and just be with Mum. It gave us peace of mind knowing she was being looked after properly.
Because of them, Mum was able to die how she wanted — at home with dignity, on her own terms, on her own turf.
That means everything to us, and we will never, ever forget the care, compassion and support they gave us during the hardest week of our lives.”
A lasting impact
Janet died at home on 22 June 2025, aged 72, surrounded by her family.
The care Janet received from Dr Kershaw’s Hospice has left a lasting impact on her family.
In their most difficult moments, they were supported with compassion, dignity and understanding — something they will always be grateful for.
In Janet’s memory, her family asked for donations to the Hospice at her funeral, helping to ensure other families can receive the same care and support when they need it most.
🩷 Because every moment matters 🩷
Because of the Hospice, Mum was able to die how she wanted — at home with dignity, on her own terms, on her own turf. That means everything to us, and we will never, ever forget the care, compassion and support they gave us during the hardest week of our lives.