Hannah's story - My dad Nick

My dad Nick was such a big character, he was the best dad ever. He was diagnosed with esophagus cancer and after a successful operation and treatment, he actually got the all-clear. We had lots of ups and downs and after a family holiday, we discovered the cancer was back.

I remember things started to not be so good, that’s when we found the hospice. We were quite skeptical as I think a lot of people are. You don’t know what you are going into, and we honestly thought it was somewhere you went to die.

But actually, when I first came to Dove House and I thought ‘What an amazing place’. We walked into the reception and it was such a shock that it was light and airy, we never thought it would be like that.
Dad was only at the hospice for five days, but everything was fantastic. I have so many fantastic memories in those few days of his life that I look back on and smile about.

The hospice took away all of the noise and chaos and we could actually just have time with Dad. He was still cracking jokes even then, making my mum go back and forth to find him the ‘right’ mug for a cup of tea just like he always did.
Family and friends were able to visit him and everyone was so welcoming.  I remember just being able to be around him and laughing. We could just spend time with him in his room, put some music on, and just sit there. We didn’t have to say anything, just being in each other’s presence was lovely. It was a magical time in such an awful time. It was just so nice to be at Dove House, they help you cherish the moments so much more.

Whilst visiting Dad at the hospice I saw a sign for the Trek. I am a bit of an adventurer, like my dad, and when I heard they were going to Canada I knew I had to sign up. It was an unreal experience! Taking part in my dad’s memory was an honour while also knowing the money I raised would go to help anyone else who would need the hospice. I also took part in Strictly Learn to Dance which was an incredible experience.
Dove House do so much and fundraising, even just a little bit goes to help other families in the situation we were in. It makes me so proud that I am part of that.

To anyone wanting to donate, every penny goes so far and helps so much. The hospice is so much more than a building. You never know when you might need Dove House. Please make sure it is still here and can continue to provide its services long into the future.

Dove House has been incredible to me as an employee and as a family member of a loved one. The retail team has been there supporting me, giving me time to come to terms with things, and helping me to be able to go to work. I continue to give my everything to my work as I have throughout but their help has meant the world to me. I now work at the Greenwich shop and cannot see an end to my time at Dove House any time soon.