Geoff talks passionately about the support he has received from South Bucks Hospice, even going as far as saying the help given by the community hospice helped save his life.
When Geoff first came to South Bucks Hospice; he was feeling low. He had received a terminal cancer diagnosis; he did not want to carry on and burden his wife Dorothy. Geoff regained the will to survive through the expertise, kindness and care received at the hospice and the love for his family.
Now, happily looking forward to his time ahead, including celebrating his 29th wedding anniversary in June with his beloved wife Dorothy, Geoff is happy to share his journey.
After a long and bumpy journey Geoff, a 76-year-old gentleman from High Wycombe, received his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2020. When diagnosed, Geoff’s cancer had already spread to his bones making his diagnosis terminal. Existing health conditions meant that Geoff couldn’t have all the treatments available.
Geoff explains, “It is important to accept what you have that’s the first step in moving forward.”
When he was referred to South Bucks Hospice, it was a complete breath of fresh air.
“Someone even helped me get myself referred before I met the nurses. The nurses were just fantastic, they met with Dorothy and me and went through everything with us.”
The nurses then organised for us to receive the right support within South Bucks Hospice.”
Geoff has benefited from counselling, thinking about life had brought up many issues for him and the counselling service helped with these. His wife Dorothy also undertook counselling available for family and carers.
“Having cancer has made me more emotional so it’s good to get help processing those emotions.”
Geoff has also joined numerous support groups at the hospice and continues to meet up with one of these groups.
“I really enjoyed the support groups. I believe that communication and being kind to one another is so important in this world, especially if people suffer from an illness.”
Geoff has been able to spread kindness, reassuring other patients through his own journey and enjoyed being able to do this.
Patient advocate Gerry helped Geoff get his blue badge, and he also received complementary therapies while he was being treated at the hospital.
Geoff attended a life planning event run by the counselling team to help him get things in order, “I have everything planned now, I know exactly what I want. There will be a large glass of whiskey on my coffin in the crematorium – a cheers to this life.
I still enjoy my pleasures, a nice whiskey or glass of wine and I will continue with that.”
Geoff wanted to say a huge ‘cheers’ those who support South Bucks Hospice and allow the care to take place.
“Every single person in the hospice has been fantastic – I could not fault any of them.”
I am sure everyone joins us in wishing Geoff and
Dorothy every happiness for their upcoming celebration. We will be sure to share pictures on our social channels.
