Jessica's family's story
Patient and Family Stories
The Purple Tulip has become a symbol of remembrance for Jessica and her family. Purple represents the fight against pancreatic cancer, a disease that Jessica’s dad, Keith Horsham, sadly passed away from in April 2019. And Tulip is the name of the room that Keith was in when he spent time at Rotherham Hospice, joking with the cleaning staff, and sitting in his favourite recliner.
This is Jessica’s story:
Jessica’s dad, Keith was a keen golfer. He had been captain of Rotherham Golf Club back in 2017, and it was after returning from a golf trip to Florida in November 2018 that he started feeling a little unwell.
Spurred on by Jessica, Keith reluctantly went to see a doctor having had pains in his feet, and suffering from shortness of breath, which Jessica says was unusual given that he was quite active. The Doctor referred Keith to the hospital, who found blood clots on his lungs.
At first this gave the family some relief, because it could be treated. But soon the hospital found a mass on Keith’s pancreas. The family were told the news they’d feared; the cancer had spread to the lining of Keith’s abdomen.
Keith was eventually referred to Rotherham Hospice and our 24/7 Hospice at Home team, who stepped in to help with symptom control for Keith at his home. But in mid-March, Keith started feeling worse, and couldn’t eat. Thankfully on the 18th March a bed became available on our in-patient unit here at the Hospice.
The night before Keith came into the Hospice, Jessica says one of the Hospice at Home team sat up all night with Keith, chatting, making sure he was comfortable.
“That was an amazing service to offer.” Jessica tells us.
“It takes a bit of worry off knowing that the nurse knew what to do, and that dad was looked after”.
The next day, Jessica tells us that the family came down with Keith at lunchtime to the Hospice. At first he was nervous, and upset. The feeling of uncertainty was overwhelming, as it often is when people first set foot in the Hospice.
But before long Keith settled in to Tulip. Jessica tells us the staff couldn’t have been more helpful.
“The nurses are angels.” Jessica says “We are forever in gratitude for their care”.
The time Keith spent in Tulip was comfortable, Jessica explains. They brought in cake for Keith’s grandson’s birthday. His friends popped in to visit, and Keith discovered a new favourite thing…. The ice machine!
Keith Horsham passed away on April 5th 2019 with his children and his family there with him. That day, his friends had came home from a Safari holiday to spend time with him, and his family had had his absolute favourite dinner that evening…. fish and chips.
Jessica tells us that any time the family see a purple Tulip now, they remember Keith, and the care he received through Rotherham Hospice. Her children can spot a Tulip from anywhere… including a painting on Wickersley underpass. The purple Tulip has become their symbol. Jessica even has a purple Tulip tattoo!
Keith’s family have taken part in several fundraising events for the Hospice including the Colour Run a few years back, as well as Glow with the Flow last year, this year… and Jessica is already signed up for next year! At Keith’s funeral, a collection was taken for the Hospice that raised a staggering £940, and the family intends to hold a big birthday fundraiser on Keith’s 70th birthday.
The support of families like Jessica’s – whether it be through events like Glow with the Flow, or fundraisers put on in the community – is what allows Rotherham Hospice to keep providing the care and support that we provide both in the Hospice itself and out in homes across Rotherham. And for that, we are forever grateful.
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