A READING man has taken part in an appeal raising awareness of the work of a hospice charity in Berkshire.
Mark Sturgess, from Tilehurst, featured as part of an appeal by Sue Ryder on BBC Lifeline on Sunday, August 18.
Mr Sturgess’ brother, James, was diagnosed with bone cancer, which had been found in his spine, in 2015 at the age of 25.
Two years later, when it had reached the point that doctors could do nothing more for James, he was referred to the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading.
James died at the age of 28.
Mark shared his experiences in the appeal which appeared on BBC1 on Sunday, August 18, and is set to be repeated on BBC2 later this week.
Mark said: “James moved in with me and my family, then a Sue Ryder Nurse from the community team came to visit us–it was very difficult for all of us, but from day one she was amazing.
“James had a wish list of things he wanted to do, including going abroad to watch some football matches and going on a cruise with all of his friends. The nurse was heavily involved in making it all happen, making sure he had any medication he needed, organising his medical note to go abroad and arranging for him to have a blood transfusion if his platelets were low.
“James wanted to stay at home for as long as possible, but it got to the point where it was too difficult and going into Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice would make things a lot easier for him.
“He was in the hospice for about a week, and I was there every second of the day.”
He explained: “James actually passed away on my daughter’s birthday and that morning the nurses organised for a cake to be brought in so he could sing happy birthday to her with us.
“That always sticks in my mind as they went that extra mile and helped him to have that special memory on his final day.
“I think most people assume hospices are for older people, but they also care for patients who are younger than me and my friends.
People forget about hospices until they need them and it’s so important that people know about all the amazing care they provide.”
Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice offers support to those affected by life-limiting illnesses or grief, and their families.
This includes providing end of life support, managing grief, and signposting other resources.
Full details and access to resources for similar support are available via: sueryder.org
The appeal will be aired again on BBC2 on Friday, August 23, at 12.50pm.
