Family Takes To The Skies

Family takes to the skies: Skydiving in memory of beloved Dad

“Nothing was too much trouble. The hospice team were so supportive and did everything they could to support Dad and us as a family.”

Lara, her mum, and her best friends took to the skies in loving memory of Neil, a cherished dad, husband, and friend.

Neil was diagnosed with bowel cancer in March 2019. After treatment, he went into remission until the onset of COVID-19, when he was diagnosed with terminal secondary liver cancer. Neil sadly died at home in November 2023.

Not only was Neil a beloved dad but also a big Lego and Disney fan. He enjoyed special family trips to Disneyland, and at his funeral, a song from his favourite Disney ride was played. Lara and her family told us “Dad had the last laugh.”

Lara, Neil’s daughter who is currently training to be a nurse, had worked at the hospice before her dad’s diagnosis. She felt reassured when her dad was admitted to Cransley Hospice, as she had seen firsthand, the care and support provided. “The work there is incredible. I always like to talk about it because it’s important to raise awareness of these services.”

Neil spent a couple of weeks at in the hospice, where Lara and her sister Scarlett noted that one evening, nurse Barbara brought him a gluten-free beer and arranged a visit from his dog. Lara recalls this as something he loved doing at home. She shared, “Nothing was too much trouble. They were so supportive and did everything they could to support Dad and us as a family.”

Though the care was brilliant within the hospice, Neil wished to die at home, and nurse Hannah played a vital role by visiting them, providing treatment and offering compassionate care to Neil and the family. Lara admired the hospice team, noting, “I really respect the team. I know how hard it must be, but also how rewarding too.”

Lara told us about the excellent communication with the hospice team, who supported her and her sister emotionally. “The hardest part was leaving Dad in the evening. The nurses could always tell when we were feeling low and would make us smile or laugh.”

Some of the team here at Cransley Hospice Trust even had the pleasure of meeting Neil himself for a cheque presentation in July 2023 with the Freemasons.

We were there to cheer them on – what an incredibly brave way to honour a loved one and raise vital donations.

Lara’s skydive in memory of her Dad