A CANCER patient has thanked Havens hospices for giving him a “new lease of life” as he heads home to his wife after a three week stay.

Bill Ashdown was first made aware of the hospice’s work during an event at The Ironworks after his cancer began to cause him severe pain and hallucinations.

After receiving crucial care at Fair Havens, in Priory Crescent, Bill has seen improvements in his appetite, reduced pain and he now plans to take part in fundraising event for the hospice.

Speaking to Havens hospices, he said: “Before I came here, the pain was out of control, and I found it hard to manage. I now have a routine to make it more manageable.

“More recently, I didn’t eat for around eight to nine days because I felt sick, and when I looked at food, it filled me up straight away. I felt weak and lost lots of weight.

“Now my medication and pain are under control, I feel like I can eat. Fair Havens has helped me understand the importance of eating for my own benefit.

“The nurses sit down next to my bed and talk to me about my illness. They gave me their time when I needed it and prepared me for what I was going to go through with my condition. They’ve given me a new lease of life.”

During his three week stay at the hospice, the fundraising team organised a surprise visit of scooters and vintage cars after finding out about his love for cars and motorbikes.

Bill spent time exchanging stories with the drivers and even had a ride around the car park in a red vintage 1950s Chevrolet Corvette.

“I’ve never experienced care like this anywhere. No one has ever sat down next to my bed and talked to me as much as the nurses do here.

“They have time to sit down and chat with me, and they really care,” he said.

“I want everyone to know what the hospice does for people like me.

“They take such great care in everything they do – it has such a special place in my heart.”