Charles' family has set this page up to help Herriot Hospice Homecare with their battle to keep supporting those who want respectful, dignified, and kind end-of-life care at home for their loved ones. This was one of Dad's final wishes and they came to his rescue with care that was outstanding in every way. It was only what this lovely gentle man deserved but it so nearly didn't happen for lack of funding.

Dad was diagnosed with cancer just 8 weeks before he passed away. As all of you know, he was a fit and energetic 76 years young with such a positive outlook on life and so much more to say and do in this world! Although he set out to 'throw everything he could' at staying with us, when it became evident that recovery wasn't going to happen, he put his mind instead to focusing on enjoying and recalling all the people he had had the privilege to know; to love, to parent, to work with, to be a neighbour to, to support, to befriend, to mentor, to coach, to play music with, and so much more. 

Dad was a 'people person' and, like for many others, hospital was simply not the right place for him. He had reached a point where it was care, rather than medical support that he needed and he was desperate to have that care in the familiar surroundings of his own home alongside Mum, with family, friends, music and sport on tap and with a constant view of his beloved garden. 

It took 10 days for that care to be found. Those were the worst of times and created anxiety that nobody facing their final days should have to endure. 

Finally, but thanks only to some pilot funding becoming available, Herriot Hospice was able to re-start its end-of-life care programme and come to our rescue, offering Dad the support he needed to be at home. From the first morning his hospice nurse Vanessa arrived, a beautiful peace took over that remained until the end. 

Thanks to Herriot Hospice Homecare, Dad's final days were filled with respectful, kind, thoughtful care which we would love to recognise and support and which we feel should be preserved so that it - and services like it - are there for others' loved ones when they too need them most. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Raising funds for Herriot Hospice matters a great deal to us, so we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any donation that you feel able to give. 

With love, from Chris, Lou, Duncan & Jamie x