Waterlooville family call for support local message to apply to charities after dad suffering from cancer is looked after by Rowans Hospice

‘WE say we should shop local and support small businesses but the same applies to local charities. You never know when you will need them but they will be there for you and your family when you do.’
By Millie Salkeld
Published 10th Dec 2020, 07:00 BST
Caroline Palmer (right) from Waterlooville with son Angus (left) and father Nick Davies (middle). Picture: Brian DevonshireCaroline Palmer (right) from Waterlooville with son Angus (left) and father Nick Davies (middle). Picture: Brian Devonshire
Caroline Palmer (right) from Waterlooville with son Angus (left) and father Nick Davies (middle). Picture: Brian Devonshire

Those are the words of Caroline Palmer from Waterlooville, whose dad Nick was taken care of by the Rowans Hospice at Home support team this year as he battled stage 4 pancreatic cancer that metastasized to his liver.

The 61-year-old grandfather-of-six was diagnosed in October last year. He managed to walk Caroline down the aisle in her wedding to now husband George before Nick lost his battle with the disease on June 9.

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His family have since raised more than £6,000 for the Rowans Hospice, based in Purbrook, to give back to the team who was there for Nick and continue to be there through counselling services for Caroline, her two sisters Rachel and Lorraine and their mum and Nick’s wife Vanessa.

Nick Davies (right) with wife Vanessa at home for a socially distanced photo with their familyNick Davies (right) with wife Vanessa at home for a socially distanced photo with their family
Nick Davies (right) with wife Vanessa at home for a socially distanced photo with their family
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His six grandchildren are also getting help through the Rowans Meerkat service.

Caroline, 26, said: ‘Seeing dad go down hill so rapidly was horrible but the staff at Rowans Hospice were always there.

‘When dad was unwell if we called to get help, the support team would be on your doorstep in minutes.

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‘Now our family is getting support through them which has helped all of us through a tough time.’

Caroline also decided to run the Great South Run solo event this year for Rowans and raised £850.

She added: ‘We say we should shop local and support small businesses but the same applies to local charities. You never know when you will need them but they will be there for you and your family when you do.’

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With the annual Lake of Lights service at Canoe Lake, Southsea cancelled due to Covid-19, Rowans Hospice is offering families the chance to make an online dedication on their ‘Tree of Memories’.

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Chief executive Ruth White said: ‘After such a difficult year for so many, the charity really hopes the opportunity to Light up A Life on our Tree of Memories will bring comfort to many as we near the close of such a disconnected and challenging year.’

A special service will also be streamed online at 7pm on Sunday.

For information visit rowanshospice.co.uk/light

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Related topics:Rowans HospiceWaterloovillePortsmouth

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