In May 2025, we found out suddenly that John was terminally ill, with no timeline, and was rapidly regressing which unfortunately meant we lost him 1 month later in June 2025.

I became best friends with Laura in 2019 through work, where I then got to know John & Anita (Mum & Dad). In 2023, Anita passed suddenly which shattered John & Laura. Through such a tough time, our families got together, and before we knew it, it was just one big family.

Watching Johns journey was one of the most heart breaking experiences I have ever had to witness. He meant so much to so many people, including myself. John was one of my closest people; we spoke every day with no exclusions. I loved winding him up and giving him a joke of the day. Life has definitely got much quieter and darker since his passing.

During Johns stay at the hospice, he was convinced I was doing a 10k swim to raise money but I don't think I have that capability yet! So in honour of John I am going to run 10k from his favourite teams stadium - Bramley Moore. We managed to fulfil some of Johns bucket list which included going to watch a match at Goodison Park before it closed and our ultimate surprise was with tickets to Bramley Moore for his birthday in August - which is why the starting point of this 10k run means a lot.

I have also managed to pull in the team members at our families 4 shell service stations in Liverpool, to rally together in a competition where we will be raffling goods and fuel per site and trying to raise as many funds with fun days during October 1st - October 13th.

Our aim is to try to raise enough money in Johns name to honour his life's goal of assisting others during their times of need. All he ever did was help and give to other people. This is his gift to those who are, and will be, in his shoes. His memory should live on as he deserved it to.

Wirral Hospice was a big difference to Johns final days. From the hospital to a hospice makes a world of change, all the staff were friendly, caring, and nothing was too much of a hassle. It made me realise how hard life truly is sometimes, each day we stayed there from morning till night, and the nights we slept - the care from the staff and volunteers at the hospice was never ending. Everyone else always came first and they pushed John to make the most out of what limited time he had left. He got to go out in the fresh air and flick through tv programmes, all the little things we take for granted. As a job role - it must take its toll. My heart will always have a place there and the hospice really showed how the staff make an imprint on everyone's lives, especially those who have the misfortune of slowly losing a loved one.

Wirral Hospice is 35% government funded which means they spend every year battling and trying to raise 65% of funds themselves. Pocket change in these situations can really make a difference. We have the ability to help those next visitors receive the care and compassion we all deserve in our final days. From one human to another, every £ shared will help someone else have a peaceful goodbye.

To John,

For you.

Lots of Love,

Sophie

Wirral Hospice St John's relies on donations and fundraising activities to help the charity keep caring for patients and their loved ones at a time of most need. Thank you for your kind support.