Using my skills and experience to honour my dad

I first became interested in palliative care when my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1994. At the time, I was applying to train as a qualified nurse after spending eight years working as a healthcare assistant. I didn’t know much about palliative or hospice care, until my father spent two weeks at the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice before he died. The care he received there left a lasting impression on me.

We were scared and upset - my dad was only in his fifties. But we were fortunate to be with him throughout, as he was cared for in the large family room. We were all in awe of the care, not just for my dad, but for us as a family. It was exemplary.

I knew he was pain-free and in good hands as he slipped away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him. From that moment, I knew this was the kind of nursing I wanted to do. I wanted to make my dad proud.

While the job was closely related to palliative care, I was finally able to fulfil my dream when I became Team Lead for the Community Palliative Care team at Sue Ryder. It meant so much to be able to use my skills and experience to provide the same compassionate care that my family and I had once received.

Palliative care has come a long way since my dad died. More people now understand what it means, and I think death and dying are no longer as frightening as they once were. Patients and families are offered choices about their preferred place of care and where they would like to die. They're also supported in the community, which allows them to spend quality time with their loved ones and, if they wish, to die at home.

I’m proud to play a part in making that possible, and I look forward to continuing to help ensure that Sue Ryder can be there for families in the community when it matters most.