Hospice News

Patient & Carer Stories

"I try to live my life the best I can, and embrace what I've got."

Harry is one of our younger patients, aged 20 years old. He was diagnosed with brain cancer two years ago following a series of seizures. He lives in Patchway with his mum, dad and sister. You may recognise him from a short film he made with the Stand Up to Cancer team, which was broadcast on Gogglebox and other Channel 4 programmes in the autumn of 2023. His inspiring story was watched by millions.

Harry nominated himself for Stand Up to Cancer, saying, "It was a memory for my parents to have as I'm dying, and because I want people to have a little memory of me."

"I want to raise awareness about brain cancer as it's the cancer that's most likely to kill people aged under 40. There's no treatment for my type of cancer. I don't look unwell, like the stereotypical cancer patient."

Harry's mum Lou, says "people say to him, you look really well, and I say, well, he's not!"

Harry was 18 when he first became aware of his illness. Following a night out with his workmates he felt ill for most of the weekend. At first his parents thought he was hungover but on the Monday, Harry had a huge seizure. He was rushed to hospital, and an emergency scan revealed bleeds on his brain and three tumours.

Harry was referred to the Hospice because he was struggling with back pain and tiredness. His dad Pete said "Our Community Nurse, Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist, all spoke to Harry as a person, to understand what he likes to do. They were able to suggest ways for him to do the things he likes rather than things that are just good for him."

Hospice Physiotherapist Gill has helped Harry get out and about to gigs, something he loves. "Gill had a really good chat with me about conserving energy so that I can enjoy the things I like to do, like concert trips. The last couple I went to I used my walking stick and felt pretty rubbish about it. Gill changed my thoughts, suggesting I look at it as a tool to help rather than as a disability aid."

Gill and Harry

"Having the Hospice at the end of the phone means I don't have to go to A&E, which I'm very grateful for" says Harry.

"When I was unwell in December, we spoke to someone on the Advice Line and had a Hospice Nurse come within the hour. That visit was invaluable as once I had an injection of drugs, I had a relatively pain free Christmas.

"I try to live my life the best I can, enjoying things and embracing what I've got. The Hospice has given me coping mechanisms, helped me with acceptance and given me control over what I do."

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