‘I can never give enough thanks to the nurses who cared for Dad.’

Bill was 70 years old and lived in Thame with his wife, Jackie.

He was a devoted grandfather to his three grandchildren and a wonderful Dad to his two daughters, Lou and Caz. He would spend his days looking after his grandchildren, even secretly popping round to Caz’s house while she was at work to help with the washing up!

Bill loved watching cricket, walking the dogs, riding his bike and spending time with his family. He also had a fascination with weather radars, and would spend hours predicting the weather, a shared love with daughter, Lou.

Bill worked for the same company his whole life as a Wood Machinist for a local furniture company. He retired aged 64 and planned to spend his retirement with Jackie going on coach trips to new places.

Six years on, Bill was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. His symptoms were missed and in just twelve weeks from diagnosis Bill died in April 2024, surrounded by his family and the FNH@Home nurses.

Bill’s daughter, Lou, said, “Following his terminal diagnosis, Dad spent two weeks in hospital with uncontrollable pain and nausea. We were delighted when he was able to return home, supported by FNH@Home nurses. They provided a wheelchair commode so he could be independent at home.

“Unfortunately, Dad’s health deteriorated quickly, and he wasn’t well enough to get out of bed. We converted the living room into a bedroom for him. Mum, Auntie Sonia, Caz and I cared for him alongside the Florence Nightingale nurses.

“The nurses were wonderful with him. Sometimes he was upset before their visit, but as soon as they came, they reassured him, and us, and he was calm again.”

The FNH@Home nurses visited Bill twice a day over a six-week period, but the family could call them whenever they needed.

Lou said “The longest we ever had to wait for the nurses to come was an hour, they were so quick and efficient. They did all the hands-on care so as a family, we could be there for Dad. This was such a relief to us all. The nurses reassured us that the changes we were seeing in Dad were normal.

“They were so amazing, their visits never felt rushed. One nurse would care for Dad and the other would talk to us and offer support. The nurses saw Dad for who he was, not just a poorly man in bed, we felt like their priority. I can’t imagine what families would go through without the FNH@Home service.

“I can never give enough thanks to the nurses who cared for Dad. They made those awful six weeks a little more manageable for us as a family – a heartfelt thank you to you all.”