Meet Andy…

Since being referred to Dougie Mac Hospice, Andy Machin has enjoyed a jacuzzi bath every day.

“It’s the most amazing place,” he says. “Since I have been here I have had the most wonderful treatment. I have my own room where family can visit. The nurses go above and beyond for me to make me as comfortable as possible.

“I woke up one morning and my dog was on the bed – my wife, Sandra, had bought her in as a surprise. I had an ice cream from the ice cream van one day, and then there was chippy day where I ordered chips, pudding, peas and gravy which was wonderful as I had not had that for years.

“Every day I have a jacuzzi where the nurses help me in and out and then recently I spotted a large television in another room which wasn’t being used so I asked if I could have it in my room to watch the World Cup. They brought it into my room and when I mentioned to maintenance there wasn’t a remote control they actually went out and bought one for me within an hour.”

When Andy, a devoted football fan, asked if he could watch England’s unforgettable World Cup clash with Mexico in the early hours of the morning, there was only one answer: of course!

“The nurses were fabulous. They woke me just before the game and even bought me sausage rolls and crisps to enjoy as half-time nibbles!

“Earlier in the day, my son, daughter and son-in-law brought in a Chinese takeaway, which we enjoyed together with a can of beer. How can I moan about my life when I have all this?”

Former miner, dad-of-two and grandad to five, Andy, 63, who also worked as a shop floor manager for JCB, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in October 2025 after noticing blood in his urine whilst on holiday with Sandra, his wife of more than 40 years. Within two weeks, he had seen his GP, a hospital consultant and had undergone an operation to remove the tumour. He was told the cancer was grade 3 aggressive and non-evasive and he would need chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy treatment.

“It was a vey intrusive treatment and very intense, I wasn’t able to finish it,” says Andy. A few months later doctors discovered more tumours in his bladder and the cancer had spread to his spine and lungs. He was given a terminal diagnosis.

“When we were told it was terminal, our world was turned upside down. You go through all the emotions – ‘what do I do, where do I go, what’s going to happen, why me – what have I done wrong? Have I been a bad dad, a bad person?’ It’s heart-breaking. I didn’t know what to do or where to go.”

As well as cancer, Andy – who says Sandra has been his rock, supporting him throughout their married life – was also diagnosed with pseudomonas, a condition which causes intense pain. He was offered help from Dougie Mac’s Hospice at Home team.

“My nurse, Amber, is my own special angel. She saw the pain I was in – which wasn’t getting better – and so referred me into the hospice for symptom control and pain management.

“Since being diagnosed with cancer I feel like my life is a game of two halves. The first half is being referred to Dougie Mac and spending time in the hospice where I will prove that I can beat my pain and go home. The second half will see me come back in at the end but I’m OK with that – not scared. I’m not scared because I know what such a fabulous place Dougie Mac is and I know that I will be treated with respect and dignity from all the staff. I’m happy I will have that choice when it comes to it and I want to make sure other people know just how fabulous Dougie Mac is.

“I am lucky to be well-travelled- to have done things I have enjoyed – so I would like to say to other people if you want to do something, if you want to see other places, don’t leave it until tomorrow, don’t put it off. Go out there and do it now before it’s too late.”