Father with incurable cancer backs hospice renovation appeal

David Tattershall, who has oesophageal cancer, was referred to Barnsley Hospice in November for a one-week stay to help manage his pain.

The father-of-three said: “I used to think Barnsley Hospice was just a place people went to die, but they have taught me to live - which is why I’m getting behind this appeal. It’s an incredible place, it really is.”

Mr Tattershall, of Monk Bretton, was diagnosed in March.

“The diagnosis was a bolt from the blue, and I very quickly discovered the cancer had spread to my liver, lymph nodes and stomach,” he said.

“The pain became all-encompassing but when it was suggested to me that a stay in the hospice could help I initially thought ‘no way, that’s where people go to die’.

“I could not have been more wrong though. Within a couple of hours my pain was under control, and I was made to feel comfortable and reassured. All my questions were answered and I could tell the staff genuinely cared. My family could come and go whenever they wanted and even my dog was allowed to visit.”

The Comfort and Care campaign was launched by the hospice last month and aims to raise £200,000 to refurbish the inpatient bedrooms to a luxury standard.

The planned improvements will include new specialist beds, furniture, flooring and décor, and will help patients and their families feel more comfortable and relaxed during their stay - whilst also providing a peaceful and homely environment.

More than £41,000 has been raised so far, through community fundraising, corporate donations and grant-making charitable trusts.

In addition to the £200,000 fundraising target, The Morrisons Foundation, a charity set up by the Bradford-based supermarket, has pledged to fund a further £300,000 towards the project.