“People think a hospice is somewhere you go to die, but it isn’t” – Graham’s story highlights the life‑changing impact of hospice care
A man living with cancer has shared how hospice care helped him and his family rediscover connection, creativity and moments of joy at one of the most challenging times of life.
Graham Lewis, 60, from Flint, was diagnosed with rectal cancer seven years ago. After a career spanning more than three decades in architecture, Graham first accessed services at Nightingale House Hospice three years ago through its Wellbeing Programme and was later admitted as an inpatient.
Graham said: “When I was admitted to Nightingale House, my honest expectation was that I was going to die. Like a lot of people, we carried fears about what a hospice would be like. But what we found was the complete opposite.”
He described the hospice as welcoming, homely and full of life, an atmosphere created not just by the environment, but by the people working within it.
Graham said: “What you find here isn’t cold or clinical. It’s genuinely welcoming, homely, gentle, and actually a happy place to be. There’s laughter coming down the corridors and such a good camaraderie. It reminds you that life is still happening.”
For Graham’s wife, Charmaine, who had spent months caring for him at home, the difference was immediate.
Charmaine said: “At home, I felt completely on my own apart from visits from medical professionals. At Nightingale House, I’m not. At night, if Graham is poorly, I can ring the bell and staff are there straight away. That peace of mind means everything.”
She added: “One of the most important things for me is that the hospice doesn’t just look after Graham, they look after me as well.”
During his stay, staff helped Graham reconnect with a lifelong passion for art. With their encouragement and support, he was able to hold an exhibition of his artwork and architectural drawings for family and friends.
Graham said: “The hospice made something really important possible for us. It was a little dream, but one that meant everything. We’re incredibly grateful.”
Moments of joy continued in unexpected ways. On Grand National weekend, a spontaneous drawing competition swept through the Inpatient Unit, with patients, families and staff all joining in, creating drawings of horses, and Graham invited to judge.
Graham said: “That day really stands out. There was such a buzz throughout the Inpatient Unit, and everyone joined in. It felt like being part of something again.”
Another important part of Graham’s story involves Barry, the couple’s border collie. Before coming into the hospice, Graham had been housebound for months and unable to see Barry run and play.
Charmaine said: “Animals just know. When Graham wasn’t well, Barry was unsettled too.”
From his room overlooking the hospice garden, Graham has been able to watch Barry and Charmaine playing outside together again.
Graham said: “Seeing that felt like normal life returning, even for a moment. It meant more than I can explain.”
Reflecting on his experience, Graham believes hospice care has transformed what this chapter of life looks like for him and his family.
Graham said: “When I was offered a room at Nightingale House, I jumped at it. Everything about being there adds up to it being the right decision. I’m really, really grateful.”
Charmaine hopes their experience will challenge common misconceptions about hospice care.
She said: “People think a hospice is somewhere you go to die. But it isn’t. It’s about living the best life you can, with support, kindness and dignity.”
Graham’s story highlights the difference staff and volunteers at Nightingale House Hospice make every day, in quiet and joyful moments alike, through compassion, creativity and a willingness to say yes to what truly matters.
