Barry's story

Barry and his wife Sue, live in Pontefract and have three children and five grandchildren. Barry has been a graphic designer all his life and told us that he really misses his work. He is very keen to help the Hospice fundraising team with any graphic design work when he is feeling able, as it’s something he would love to pick up again, and knows how much the Hospice relies on volunteers. 

Barry was diagnosed with heart and lung disease five years ago, and this is his fifth stay on Incare after he blacked out the night before we spoke. The first time Barry was referred to the Hospice was back in April after a visit to a regular appointment in Sheffield, where he was told that palliative care was the best way forward.  

Barry said; “It was my daughter who came to the house and said how do you feel about going into a Hospice. My reaction was, well I don’t really want to go into a Hospice because I thought a Hospice was for the end of life. That’s obviously not the case and I’ve found that out by coming here.”

Speaking about when Barry first came to stay on Incare he said; “People were helpful, all the Nurses and everything was good. They are here not just for me, but for Sue aswell to talk to.” 

Barry’s wife Sue explained that the care didn’t stop once they returned home after the first stay. Hospice counsellor, Kath, came out to see them just after they returned home. Sue also told us that Jane, our social worker at the Hospice has been very helpful. 

The Hospice has put together a care plan for Barry which he said has been so much better for him. He told us initially everything was done in one go in a morning, and he would take one shot of oramorph which is supposed to ease the pressure on his heart. Now a care plan has been devised, his care is spread out throughout the day and Barry said it’s made a big difference to him. Barry has to be on oxygen 24 hours a day, which he said up until last night was working fine, but after he blacked out, he was admitted back to the Hospice. Barry had the option to go to Hospital but he said he would prefer to come here. 

“As soon as we came in last night we knew everybody straight away, it’s such a comfort knowing everybody which we do now, they’ve become like a family to be honest.”  

As we said our goodbyes we asked Barry what he would say to anyone who may be worried about coming to the Hospice, he said; “Don’t have any fear because there’s no fear to have. It’s not always the end of life scenario. It’s one that’s helping you to live your life. They’ve helped me here just by being kind and looking after me and it never changes from one time to another.”