What is a hero? A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.
My Grandad, Eddy Turnbull will always be my hero. Truly one of a kind. He was my best friend, my biggest cheerleader and the keeper of many secrets! I am honoured to be able to share a small snippet of his story.
Sadly, my grandad was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer very unexpectedly in November 2020. Despite being told he had 3-6 months to live he fought hard and was determined he was not going to give up!
Cancer does not have a face until it becomes yours, or the face of someone you love, however he did not let it define him. Overnight we were catapulted into the unknown, but being the man he was he was more worried about how I would handle the news! That is who he was, he always put everyone before himself.
Despite his harrowing diagnosis we were lucky enough to have him for 3 more precious years than we expected. Something we will be eternally grateful for.
During his cancer battle he defied the odds so many times.
He overcame fluid around his heart and lungs, which led him to pass out and crash his beloved car whilst driving! He then was hospitalised with pneumonia and then sepsis, which then turned into necrotising fasciitis! During all of these incidents, we were told to prepare for the worst. He definitely kept us on our toes, that’s for sure! He went through so much, all whilst battling a stage 4 terminal cancer, and he never once complained. He did not let the cancer define or restrict him, and because of this he continued to lead a ‘normal’ life. So much so, people use to question if the doctors were correct with their diagnosis! He loved his cars, and had a new car at least 3 times a year - if not more! He thought nothing of travelling to the other side of the country for the perfect car. He loved to potter in the garden, doing DIY jobs (mainly for me!) and walking his dog, Rosie. Above everything he loved his family the most. His grandkids and great grandkids meant everything to him. Over the years he’s been a taxi to us all! He continued to do all of the above and more up until the last 6 weeks of his life. As he described himself, he was ‘as tough as old boots’ - and that he was!!
In June 2023 we had our first encounter with Willow Burn Hospice when my grandad was admitted as an in patient for two weeks for respite care. From the get go we were absolutely blown away by the facilities and the genuine compassion of the staff. The hospice is truly beautiful. A real safe haven. We were welcomed with warm smiles and open arms. During his stay my grandad became very fond of the hospice and the beautiful surroundings. The staff would often have to seek him out at medication time, only to find him pottering around down memory lane in amongst the flowers and admiring the gardens and the views. During his stay he decided that Willow Burn was the place that he wanted to end his days, and we couldn’t have agreed more.
Sadly, we only had him home for 3 short months before things rapidly went downhill. After numerous hospitals admissions we knew that the time had come for him to return to Willow Burn hospice. It broke our hearts to know that this time he wouldn’t be coming home, but it gave us real comfort knowing that he was going to somewhere he felt safe and we knew he was going to receive the very best care. Leaving him was always hard, but the staff were brilliant at communicating with us.
On 13th October 2023 his golden heart stopped beating and his fight came to an end. He passed peacefully at Willow Burn. Knowing we could help fulfil his last wish really means the world to us as a family.
During the last 3 weeks of his life we were comforted and supported by the amazing staff at Willow Burn. We shared stories of his life, they wiped away endless tears, they laughed with us and genuinely made sure our needs were also met, as well as his. They nicknamed my Grandad Steady Eddy as his strength and determination had not gone unnoticed!
The care and compassion my grandad received during his final weeks was second to none. We couldn’t have asked for anything more. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff. They made sure he was comfortable, he was pain free and cared for with the upmost dignity and respect.
We truly will never ever forget the staff at Willow Burn Hospice and what they have done for us as a family during such a heart-breaking time.
It has been 6 months since we said goodbye to my grandad and Willow Burn are still very much a part of our lives.
The support does not stop when you lose your loved one.
Before we were introduced to Willow Burn the word hospice was a scary word. It filled us with fear and sounded very clinical. Willow Burn couldn’t be further from that.
We will continue to support Willow Burn and are so grateful for everything they have done for us as a family.
Eddy Turnbull - 23/11/1948 - 13/10/2023
