Julie’s Story

Julie’s connection to Dougie Mac stretches back to 2013 when her Dad was receiving treatment for lung cancer. He was referred to the hospice and received support at home.

“A Dougie Mac nurse came out to visit Dad at home and we were really surprised by all the support she was able to offer, including help with disability support and benefits. Dad went into the hospice for a couple of respite stays but it was the support he received at home that was just amazing.”

Julie’s Dad passed away in May 2014.

It was during her Dad’s illness that Julie met her husband John, whose first wife had also received support from Dougie Mac before she died. The couple married in 2016.

“John was a really funny character and very young at heart. He was fit and healthy until January 2022 when completely out of the blue he became unwell and we thought he’d had a stroke. Scans and tests revealed that he had Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour, and the doctors said he might only have a short time left. We were both in complete shock. 

“John had surgery to remove the tumour in February 2022, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. At the same time my Mum also became really ill. She’d suffered with COPD for a long time but her condition became much worse.

“It was so hard looking after John and Mum at the same time. We had carers going in to look after Mum while I was isolating with John before his surgery. It was a nightmare, but luckily Dougie Mac stepped in again to help with Mum’s care. The 24-hour Advice Line was a lifeline. Knowing that we could pick up the phone at any time of the day or night to ask for advice for Mum was just amazing. My lovely Mum passed away in March 2022.”

After his surgery and treatment John lived well with his condition for the next couple of years, but in 2024 his doctors discovered more tumours. He began a six-month drug trial, alongside more chemotherapy, and was also referred to Dougie Mac.

“We first got in touch with Dougie Mac in Autumn 2024 and they gave us lots of advice and helped with a future care plan for John. He also joined some of the chair yoga sessions, which he really enjoyed, but he was frustrated at not being able to drive himself and didn’t like asking people for lifts.

“John was doing quite well and was so positive all the way through his illness, but by April 2025 the tumour was growing and it started to affect his balance. He had a fall and was left paralysed on one side.  When he came home from the hospital carers from Dougie Mac started to come in to help us but by the Summer John’s condition had deteriorated.

“I was caring for John at home, but it was so hard and we both really struggled. When we got the call to say that a bed was available at Dougie Mac we both breathed a sigh of relief. We desperately wanted his pain to be under control and we knew that he was going to be well cared for at the hospice.

“As soon as he arrived John relaxed straight away and I felt that a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was able to be with him all day and I even stayed for a few nights too. We just spent time together and I could just be his wife.  We felt enveloped and safe at the hospice, the staff were amazing, so lovely and friendly and offered me endless cups of tea. I was even allowed to bring our little dog in to see John and all the staff made such a fuss of her.

“John passed away, on 4^th August surrounded by his family. His death was so peaceful and pain free and we’re so grateful for everything Dougie Mac did for him.”

Julie began counselling before John’s death and has continued to see a Dougie Mac counsellor regularly to help her cope with the loss of her loved ones.

“It’s amazing, I just talk and the conversation flows easily. John’s illness was a lot to deal with and having the opportunity to talk to someone, who listens without judgement, has been a lifeline to me, I feel so supported.”

Julie also updated her Will, through our Make a Will Month campaign, to include a gift to Dougie Mac.

“John updated his Will to include a gift to Dougie Mac after his first wife died. He wanted to say thank you for the care she’d received and to help other families in the future.

“I already had a Will, but after John died, I got in touch with my solicitors to ask if they were part of Dougie Mac’s Make a Will Month. I made an appointment and updated my Will to include my loved ones and to leave a donation to Dougie Mac. It was really straightforward. Leaving a gift in my Will is just a tiny way to repay Dougie Mac for everything they’ve done, not only for John but also for my Mum and Dad.”