JOHN WEBBER WAS IN A ‘SORRY STATE’ WHEN HE FIRST ARRIVED AT ST ANN’S HOSPICE
A patient at St Ann’s Hospice in Greater Manchester has said the hard work and dedication of staff has allowed him to spend what time he has left at home.
John Webber, 86, of Stockport was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer approximately seven years ago. Earlier this year, John’s cancer spread to his liver.
Upon arriving at St Ann’s Hospice, John says he was in a “sorry state”. He is a double-leg amputee, losing his first a number of years ago due to a vascular disease, and then losing the second only a few weeks before his arrival at St Ann’s.
John has been cared for at St Ann’s and is now in a condition where he can go home. He says the staff and the relationships he made at the hospice with other patients gave him a new lease of life.
“I didn’t know much about St Ann’s and the word hospice seemed to be a bit different from hospital. People were telling me it was a very nice place,” John said.
“I can only say that I’m more than impressed. Even I have donated to the organisation because it depends on donations. I just feel so thankful.
According to John, the staff go above and beyond for their patients even when it comes to something simple like food orders.
“They’ll do their best to make anything you like. I’ll give you a wonderful example. There was one night when I had my evening meal and I didn’t order much. Then in the middle of the night, I felt a bit peckish.
“One of the staff asked if I would like a jam butty and a hot chocolate, oh that was my idea of heaven. Just what I wanted. Not only that but she cut the crust off the bread. That just reflects the kind of place this is.”
John said that now he is discharged he has to “change his life”.
“I can’t walk, which should be a real adjustment but I’ll make the best of the time that I’ve got left. It’s a nice sunny day so the first port of call will be a nice cup of tea in the garden,” he said.