Karl Mayers Story

“Dad’s cancer journey came with many difficulties along the way but Cransley Hospice gave us hope and support at the times we needed it most.

On two separate occasions dad spent around 3-4 weeks at Cransley to help with pain relief.

The first time dad arrived at Cransley we very quickly became reassured with the friendly welcoming smiles from all the staff. Every staff member/speciality helped us on his journey one way or another.

Time and dedication was taken to work out what medications would help best for pain relief along with some acupuncture that Dad really benefited from. Physio had such a gentle caring approach when helping with his mobility and coming up with so many options to try as his cancer progressed. Health care assistants working hard to give the best support and always checking in and having friendly chats. Cake and coffee always offered by the volunteers. Dad loved indulging in the rice pudding from the kitchen most days!

In 2025 Dads health began to worsen and he had several hospital admissions with various infections. In September he was taken to hospital once again where he was told end of life had approached.

Thankfully Cransley had a bed available and the moment we came back through those doors it was a huge relief after a very tense and emotionally draining few days.

During that time we were encouraged to decorate his room and bring in homely things to make him feel comfortable. We had so many sleepovers, movie nights and were offered lots of hot chocolates.

My daughter’s birthday was approaching and the nurse (Rose) suggested a little party in his room which we decorated and all shared birthday cake. That truly is a memory I won’t forget. Rose also gave us so much support when we crumbled and offered caring heart felt advice.

After weeks of laying in a bed and unable to walk Neil suggested pushing dad out in his bed into the sunshine so he could feel the warm sun on his face. These are just a few of the wonderful, thoughtful things they did.

Cransley not only cared for dad but for us too, they supported us in so many ways as a family. They were our anchor in the storm. 

Dad spent around 5 weeks in the hospice and was then transferred back home to continue his care plan with hospice at home.

Our dad fought so hard through his illness and pushed himself in so many ways that we found astonishing. He was brave, resilient and he put us first even on the hardest days. He fought cancer not out of fear but out of love and honour to keep living. That gave us many precious years with him.

He was a loving husband to his wife Penny and a supportive caring dad to both myself and sister Angela. He meant the world us. 

Sadly, Dad passed away at Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Feb 2026 surrounded by his loved ones.

We will always remember the days we spent at Cransley. It touched our hearts for a lifetime and gave us strength in the darkest of days.”

– Johanna Mayers