For Sue Randles, having our team’s support with caring for her husband Alan made all the difference so that he could stay at home, where he wanted to be.

Grandfather, Alan Randles was adored by his family: an intelligent and strong-willed man with every hobby under the sun. He loved playing the electric guitar as well as computers and cars.

Alan received care from our healthcare assistants in the three months before he died of Kidney Cancer in October 2023.

Alan’s wife Sue said: “From the minute the Herriot Hospice Homecare team came in, they were amazing. They were so lovely with Alan and encouraged him at every stage.

“They supported him with the little things like combing his hair, brushing his teeth and changing the duvet to help him feel comfortable.

Find out more about the care we provide at home.

“Before the healthcare assistants came, I was struggling to cope and was finding it very difficult physically and emotionally. Their support took so much pressure off. It meant I could do nice things with him, or just sit and chat.

“Over the three months, we and the team really got to know one another well so that it never felt like strangers coming into our home. The healthcare assistants had such a wonderful attitude- they would make conversation with him just like a friend. Alan was so polite to them, thanking them for their help. He kept his sense of humour!

“The flexibility of their care was really important. They always listened and adjusted their visits to suit us and were there whenever I needed extra help.

“The team were always there for me, which was a big bonus.  They would take the time to chat and ask how our grandchildren were. If our grandchildren were here, they would chat to them too.

“The Herriot Hospice Homecare team are wonderful people and they do an amazing job. I am keen to do anything I can to help them.”

Could you help us fund our extra day of care?

This leap year, we’re inviting donations to help fund our extra day of the care costing £12,500.  Find out more about our appeal in the Darlington and Stockton Times. Sue has kindly shared her memories as part of this piece.

Ways to donate:

Online: Visit justgiving.com/page/dns-herriot-leapdayappeal

By phone: Call the Herriot Hospice Homecare Supporter Care Team on 01609 777 413.

By cheque: Made payable to Herriot Hospice Homecare and posted to Herriot Hospice Homecare, Crimple House, Hornbeam Park Avenue, Harrogate, HG2 8NA.

At your nearest Herriot Hospice Homecare shop: Visit a Herriot Hospice Homecare charity shop in Bedale, Masham, Richmond, Stokesley or Thirsk and make your donation at the till.