Just one week before their 35th wedding anniversary, James and Maria Dakin didn’t know if they would get the chance to celebrate it together.
After living with prostate cancer since 2017, James’ health deteriorated rapidly following two heart attacks and a stroke. When he arrived at the Hospice, he believed he was coming for end-of-life care.
“I thought I was coming to die.”
Three weeks later, James is focused on something very different: spending precious time with the people he loves.
One of the hardest things James has faced is losing his independence.
“That’s what I struggled with most, losing my mobility.”
With support from the Hospice team, the focus has been on managing his pain, rebuilding his strength and helping him make the most of every day. Instead of preparing for the end, James is now preparing to return home to his family.
One of the things he treasures most is spending time with his granddaughter, Lyla.
“A few weeks ago, I didn’t know if I’d get the chance to spend time with Lyla again. Now we’re sitting in the garden together looking for bugs. That’s one of our favourite things to do.”
The Hospice has become much more than a place of care. It has become a place where the family can simply be together.
You’re not just a patient number, you’re a person. Everyone takes the time to get to know you.
After weeks in hospital, arriving at the Hospice brought James a sense of peace.
“When I arrived on the stretcher, they turned me round, and I saw the sun and the grass, and I just thought, ‘heaven’.”
The support has extended far beyond James. As well as supporting him, the Hospice has supported Maria, who is facing her own cancer diagnosis, and the wider family through the Wellbeing and Community Team. Their son Sam, daughter Beth and granddaughter Lyla have all been welcomed with kindness and compassion during an incredibly difficult time.
One memory the family will treasure forever came just before James and Maria’s anniversary. Expecting nothing more than coffee and cake, they were surprised with a special afternoon tea organised by the Wellbeing Team and The Caring Kitchen.
With music playing and family gathered around them, the couple celebrated 35 years of marriage together.
“It was a very, very emotional day,” said Maria. “The week before, we didn’t even know if James would still be here.”
The family know that time is precious. While they don’t know what the coming weeks will bring, they do know what the Hospice has given them.
“There are lots of lasts coming, but that’s what this place has given us: time. Time to make memories and appreciate every moment we have together.”
Your support helps families like James and Maria’s make precious memories together when every moment counts.
