“Please support the service that enabled our husband and brother to spend his last, treasured days at home.”
The family of James Barber, a young Christchurch father who spent his final days surrounded by loved ones thanks to expert hospice care at home, is urging the public to support the Hospice at Home service that made this possible.
James was just 37 when he died of bladder cancer in 2023.
Thanks to the Hospice at Home team, he was able to remain in the comfort of his own home, close to his wife and baby daughter, receiving the care he needed with dignity and compassion.
Now, his family is asking for help to ensure more families can have the same choice.
Hospice at Home, run by the Macmillan Unit hospice and funded by the charity Macmillan Caring Locally, provides 24/7 expert care to patients with a life limiting illness.
The service currently supports around 200 patients each year in Christchurch, Bournemouth and surrounding areas, through an average of 2,700 home visit – But demand is growing and the charity needs help to expand and secure its future.
James’ sister, Jade Carpenter, said: “When we found out James was terminally ill, the only thing he wanted was to spend as much time with his family as possible. Hospice at Home made that possible.
“They were there when we needed them, either just a phone call away, or at other times visiting daily to help with medication and care. They supported James with such dignity, and they supported us too as a family. We want others to have that same chance.”
Since James’ passing, Jade has given birth to a baby boy – named in honour of his uncle.
“We’re asking people to support Hospice at Home so that more families can have the comfort, care, and choice that we had,” she said.
Christchurch-based structure company Mar-Key has helped to create a moving short film of Jade talking about James’ care with the expertise of Pulse8 Video, Production, in support of the appeal.
“I would like to urge people to donate if they can,” Jade added. “This support will help others who wish to spend their final days at home, surrounded by love.”
Fundraising and Communications Director for Macmillan Caring Locally, Lin Sharp added: “The Hospice at Home Appeal is providing our community with access to round the clock clinical care when they need it most.
“We would like to thank those who have donated to Macmillan Caring Locally in the past, but we need your help to raise further funds every year so we can provide this specialist care for many more people like James, who wish to be at home with their families during their final days. Please can you help us secure the future of our Hospice at Home service.”
Jade’s moving video can be seen on YouTube here. You can donate to our Hospice at Home Appeal here.
