The grieving family of a 49-year-old cancer victim have praised the work of South Bucks Hospice – saying the charity’s support made a massive difference to them in their hour of need.
Billy Giebel, a much-loved husband, father and grandfather, passed away in November 2021 after suffering from head and neck cancer.
Now, a year later, his family have spoken out to urge others to back the work of the hospice which helped them so much before and after his death.
“South Bucks Hospice is amazing. They are really friendly and welcoming,” said daughter Nicole, 26.
Billy’s wife Clair was equally complimentary, saying: “I would totally recommend the hospice to other people. It is very helpful and it can refer you to a whole range of services, all in one place. We would urge people to support it, give money or run events.”
The family were initially referred to the hospice by a dietician at Amersham Hospital after Billy suffered from painful lymphoedema following his cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The physiotherapy at South Bucks Hospice helped him enormously, say the family, and he looked forward to attending sessions. Clair and Billy were then sent to couples’ counselling at the hospice, but only were able to complete one session before Billy went into hospital for the last time.
Mother and daughter described Billy, a paint sprayer by trade, as ‘confident and loving and caring’.
Following his death, both Clair and Nicole were given bereavement counselling – with Clair going to group sessions and Nicole receiving it over the telephone.
Both say these sessions aided them immeasurably.
“It helps a lot because you are talking to someone who is not in the family and doesn’t know you and you can say things to them that you couldn’t say to family,” said Nicole.
Clair said: “It has made a significant difference and helped me learn to process things. It’s an informal chat about what you have been doing in the week and what you have been having for your dinner. It really helps to share the experience so you are not bottling it up.”
