Patricia Watts - Patient Relative

"It is difficult to explain what a difference all the different people from Hospice we saw, made to our lives."

I am a Manx bird but had lived "across" for over 40 years, ever since I met my husband Nev, who was racing on the Isle of Man when we first crossed paths. At the time, I was a landlady with three young children—Debbie, Denise, and little Christopher, who was only three. Nev raced in the TT and somehow still found time to fall in love with me. He became not only my husband but also a devoted stepfather, caring for my children as if they were his own.

Fast forward forty-three years, and we found our way back to the Isle of Man. Nev and I settled into the annex of a home near where Debbie and Nev’s goddaughter, Alison, moved into a nearby cottage. Denise now lives in Canada, and Chris is based in the High Peak, Derbyshire.

Nev was a true gentleman—one of life’s rare gentlemen. He was deeply loved and is missed by all of us. His legacy lives on in many ways, especially through Chris, who inherited his father’s passion for motorcycle racing. Chris began racing on the island himself and won the Newcomers race in 1996. He still races in the Pre-TT and this year is back to compete in the Super Twin class. On his helmet, he carries a picture of his dad, whom he proudly calls “The Legend.”

Life was good—until everything changed in November 2021. After a stay in hospital, our local GP spoke to me about placing Nev on end-of-life care. I had never heard of Hospice at Home before, and I have to admit, when I received that first call from them, I felt like a rabbit caught in the headlights. I was overwhelmed and in tears throughout the conversation.

I think as a result; I received a home visit from them. It was during that visit that I was able to send a message to Denise and Chris—thanks to which, they were able to get here in time to see Nev.

It is difficult to explain what a difference all the different people from Hospice we saw, made to our lives.

The words that have stayed with me most were simple: “When you think about us, just ring.” And they couldn’t have been truer. Whenever we found ourselves wondering, “What do we do next?” in response to Nev’s needs, we picked up the phone and the Hospice at Home team was there. Whatever the situation, they knew how to help. The care we received was truly exceptional. That short, reassuring phrase “just ring” became a lifeline, and it never let us down.

I might not remember all the names of the people who visited us, but I do remember the feelings they left with us. They made a difficult time easier, and I will always be grateful. Thank you.