From sharing a love of animals, to running a successful business together, Ken and Serena Harper were happily married for 52 years.
But following a series of illnesses, Ken found himself in the care of Hospiscare staff – and he very sadly died on 13 August 2026. His wife Serena wanted to share their experience with Hospiscare.
This is Ken and Serena’s story.
“We first met at a party – and then again at a picnic – in our home county of Warwickshire. Ken said that when he saw me standing by the gate, he said, ‘that’s the girl I’m going to marry!’ He just knew. And so did I.
“Ken was driving tractors from seven years of age on a local farm where his dad worked. He was a mechanic by trade, working on everything from motorbikes and cars, to agricultural vehicles and lorries. I worked as a nursery nurse and with the elderly.
“But then we ended up working in business together – we were part owners of an accident repair business.
“Afterwards we set up a business together selling natural pet products, which was wonderful, because we both loved animals and wanted the best for them.
“On a visit to Crufts, we met Mr Burns, and we decided to start selling his natural pet food. Very soon we had a growing wholesale business selling natural foods and supplies.
“Ken trained people with their dogs at a club, and both dogs and their owners really liked Ken.
“We had lots of hobbies and things we loved doing together. Being brought up in farming communities, we both loved the country way of life.
“Over the years we walked together in the countryside and by the sea, with our lovely dogs, and enjoyed holidays in the Yorkshire Dales. We are organic gardeners, and care very much about the wildlife.
“In 2014 we decided to move from Wales to Sidmouth. It enabled us to live near the sea, eventually moving to Budleigh, just before the pandemic. We had retired by then.
“Budleigh was where Ken had enjoyed a holiday as a lad with his Uncle Mick and Aunty Dot who he was very fond of.
“Our life together has been truly happy. He’s my soulmate, and I’m his. He’s my best friend.”
Serena writes about her and Ken’s experience with Hospiscare
Having been very well cared for on Abbey and Lyme Ward at the RD&E, Ken moved to Searle House at Hospiscare, where we were met with extreme kindness.
Dr Adam listened to Ken, and having been told Ken was a country boy this amazing doctor asked Ken if he would like his bed wheeled outside into the garden! This quickly happened, and care was taken to make sure Ken was kept out of the sun using umbrellas. We were both offered drinks.
Dr Adam returned soon afterwards, and after chatting to Ken he soon realised Ken needed to come home.
He and Heather (Occupational Therapist) took time out of their busy day to look at the 50th Wedding Anniversary card I had made for Ken two years previously, of our very happy life together.
I can’t tell you how wonderful Dr Adam and Heather were as they set in motion Ken’s speedy return home.
Heather collected the air flow mattress herself the next morning, coming to our home by 11am to set it up. Heather even got wet that morning helping Ken!
Ken came home by ambulance in the afternoon.
All I can say is it has been an absolute pleasure to meet Dr Adam, Heather and all the hospice staff and support teams, they understand the three ‘C’s in spades!
CARING, KINDNESS and COMPASSION.
…by the way, KINDNESS begins with a kicking ‘C’!
We can never thank you enough for swiftly sorting the means for Ken to take back control of his life which enabled him to spend the last few days of his life where he needed to be.
With love and thanks,
Serena & Ken Harper
Thank you to Serena for sharing her and Ken’s story.
