Sam’s Story

Sam was one of many supporters who took part in last year’s STEPtember event – raising £300 in memory of his dad, Timothy, who received end-of-life care at Dougie Mac.

“My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in July 2024 and passed away on Christmas Eve aged 56,” said Sam. “District nurses cared for him at home, then referred him to Dougie Mac and a room became available the next day.

“Dougie Mac administered pain medication through a syringe driver and offered comfort and dignity, as well as emotional and spiritual support. The nursing staff tailored the hospice to make it feel like dad was at home and allowed him to leave the hospice when they were comfortable with his pain management to enjoy a now cherished moment of picking up his wife’s (my mum’s) new car together.

“My dad’s condition meant that he had pain in his lower body, legs and back. Towards the end of his life, he was very uncomfortable and felt pain most frequently. The complementary therapy sessions he received at Dougie Mac meant that my dad could, for a moment, feel relaxed and comfortable in his body, receiving reflexology to soothe his pain, which he absolutely loved.

“Dougie Mac means such a lot to us as a family – support, relationship, care, compassion, dignity and kindness. They allowed me and my mum to become wife and son again, instead of full-time carers at home.

“Through the counselling I received after my dad’s death, I was able to talk through all the emotions of my grief. The counsellors helped me to make sense of my feelings and how to come to terms with my dad’s passing.

“STEPtember seemed like a perfect activity for me and my mum to take part in. We loved walking a mile a day together to help raise money to give back to Dougie Mac and to thank them for all they have done for my dad and the family.”