Dave White became a recognisable character very quickly during his stay on our Inpatient Unit, due to his favoured location being on the bench outside the Hospice reception, giving everyone a cheery 'hello' on their way in.
He was regularly joined by friend Stewart. The pair, who met at work, shared a love of golf, competing across the country. We sat with them during one of Stewart's visits, and he told us more about Dave's condition.
"Dave originally had a stroke, but when they did scans they showed stage 4 cancer in the lungs and in his stomach. The medical team at the hospital said there was nothing more they could do for him," he explained.
"Six weeks ago, he was playing golf twice a week. His deterioration has been very rapid."
Sadly, life at home was a struggle for Dave - he couldn't walk safely up his stairs and he was in considerable pain. So it was agreed the best place for him was Garden House Hospice Care.
Here, staff have focused on relieving Dave's pain, and he's thrown himself into hospice life - joining staff at their jubilee party for a glass of punch and winning a few items on the tombola.
Dave told us: "All the staff are so lovely, they treat me with respect and care. It's great to be here. It's so relaxing. I can't believe how relaxing it is."
Stewart added: "The biggest thing about Dave being here is that now his pain is under control he's engaging with people again. He'd always talk to anyone, but that had completely gone. The Hospice is brilliant, it really is."
