Kelly Land and her husband, Simon, have always been aware of Hospiscare, but as a young couple in their thirties, the hospice isn’t somewhere they thought they would be going. All of that changed when Simon was given the news that he had just a few short weeks to live.
Kelly says, “Simon was only 37 when he died. We’d been together for 17 years and married for nine of those. He was so funny and had a brilliant sense of humour, which he passed down to our three girls. He was the best Dad; he would attend every parent’s evening, sports day, nativity performance and so on.
“Simon had such a great work-life balance. He was an electrician and absolutely loved his job – he even carried on working during all the treatment he had, making phone calls from the hospital. Even though he loved his work, he would always make sure he was around for the girls’ clubs and any days out over the school holidays.
Simon with his wife, Kelly
“Simon was first diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer on 1 November 2021. After undergoing chemotherapy, he was given the ‘all clear’ in August 2022. A little over a year later, Simon had a scan and we were given the awful news that the cancer was back. He underwent surgery in January 2024 but after further tests, we found out the cancer had spread.
“Everything happened so quickly from being told there was nothing else that could be done for Simon, to when he actually died one week later. Everything still feels like a blur. When we were told he had just a few short weeks to live, we decided the hospice is where we wanted Simon to spend his last few days, for some dignity for himself, but also because we didn’t want our children having the memory of Daddy dying in our home.
“Simon was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday and a Hospiscare nurse came to our house on the Friday. She explained everything with such compassion and empathy. On Sunday, the hospice called me to tell me a bed was ready for Simon and we arrived at around 11am.
“Driving there was awful; knowing I was taking my husband to the place he was going to die, and knowing I wouldn’t leave until he did. All of the staff made us feel so welcome. They went through everything and made sure Simon, his parents and I understood what was happening.
“Simon died the following morning. The hospice staff were incredible and went through everything that would happen next. I also had follow up calls, including one from the nurse who came to our house. She was as shocked as all of us at how quickly Simon died. He was definitely putting on a brave face for us all.
“Whenever I would get upset about his diagnosis, Simon would always say, ‘It is what it is. I can’t change what’s happening.’ That first phrase has stuck with me, and we had ‘It is what it is.’ inscribed on Simon’s head stone and all the family wore tops with those words to his funeral. Some of the family even have it as a tattoo!”
Simon with his daughters Lola, Edith and Delilah
Kelly and her family wanted to give something back to the hospice for the care Simon received. After seeing an advert on Facebook for our first ever Jingle Jog, Kelly messaged her brother-in-law as she thought it would be a great opportunity for her children and their cousins to do some fundraising.
Kelly continues, “We have three girls – Edith, Lola and Delilah – and two nieces and a nephew. We’re a close family and Simon’s presence is missed so much by all of us. It’s the perfect opportunity to do something fun and meaningful together.
“To anyone who’s thinking of signing up for the Jingle Jog, or any event to raise money for Hospiscare, do it! You never think you’ll need this service until you do. Honestly, I don’t know what I would have done without it.
“Knowing that there are limited beds at the hospice for people who may not have the time to wait is so scary. I am so sad that Hospiscare relies on fundraising to keep it going. Everyone should get involved in supporting the hospice.”
To donate to Kelly and her family’s Jingle Jog fundraising, click here.
