“It felt like home almost straight away,” the family of a man who died following a long cancer battle have said, as they praised the care they received at East Lancashire Hospice.
Kevin Andrews, a lifelong supporter of Burnley Football Club, was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016.
After treatment, he continued to live an active life, spending time with his eight grandchildren and remaining a much-loved member of his community.
However, after suffering a heart attack in 2023, his health declined. As the cancer progressed, he developed metastatic spinal cord compression, leaving him paralysed and requiring full-time care at home.
As his condition worsened, Kevin was admitted to the hospice’s inpatient unit, where he received specialist palliative care until his death in April 2025.
Stepdaughter Leah said: “It felt like home almost straight away. The staff couldn’t do enough for us.”
Kerry, his other step-daughter, added: “The staff were incredible at listening to our needs. We felt heard and involved throughout the process.”
During his time at the hospice, Kevin’s family were supported by a range of services, including creative therapies which helped them create keepsakes such as thumbprints and memory pebbles, as well as counselling to help them cope.
Volunteers also played a key role in supporting the family.
They said: “Sylvia, the volunteer, was wonderful. Everyone was so caring. They treated us like family, not just visitors.”
Kevin’s partner, Lorraine, said having access to overnight facilities made a significant difference, explaining: “It gave us the chance to just be together, as a family.”
The hospice gardens also provided moments of comfort during an incredibly difficult time.
Lorraine added: “Being able to walk in the garden and listen to the birds really helped. Those small moments meant a lot.”
Following their experience, Kevin’s family have begun fundraising to create care packs for other families staying at the hospice, after noticing many arrive without essential items.
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Kirsty, Kevin's step-daughter, said: “We didn’t want anyone else to worry about the little things whilst going through something so difficult.”
The family continue to support the hospice through events and fundraising, and some are now considering volunteering.
They also hope to change perceptions of hospice care.
“You hear the word hospice, and it can feel daunting, but it’s nothing like what people imagine,” they said.
“Visit the Hospice. We would encourage anyone who feels unsure to come and see it for themselves. Even if it’s just for a coffee in the café. It’s a very special place.”
If you’ve been inspired by Kevin’s story, and would like to support his family with their fundraising efforts in creating toiletry packs, make a donation via GoFundMe by searching 'Help Us Support Families in Hospice Care'.
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