1 Oct 2025 Patient and Family Stories

Care, Compassion, and a Little Joy: Allan’s Experience with The Kirkwood

The Kirkwood, every day is about making a difference for people facing life’s most difficult challenges. For 80 year old Dewsbury resident Allan Holmes, the care he has received has not only helped him feel stronger but also brought unexpected moments of joy, thanks in part to a special visit from Gentle Paws Therapy Dogs and their four-legged friends, Ernie and Albert, who filled the hospice with smiles and comfort.

At 80 years old, Allan has lived through his fair share of ups and downs. Last year, he received the news no one ever wants to hear: cancer. He said: “I’ve got cancer. It started in the bowel, then spread to my liver, and now it’s going into my bladder.”

He was officially told of his diagnosis in May 2024. “I knew something wasn’t right before, but May was when they confirmed it. Even when you expect it, hearing it out loud hits you hard.”

When Allan’s health began to decline, his nephew encouraged him to seek help. “I was exhausted. I couldn’t breathe properly, I was worn out just trying to pick my stick up. Everything was a struggle. That’s when my nephew rang 101. One thing led to another, and eventually I ended up here at The Kirkwood.”

At first, Allan was unsure what to expect. “When I first came in, I just laid there in bed. I had no energy for anything. But bit by bit, I’ve started to pick up. I’m eating better, drinking more, and moving a little. It might not sound like much, but for me it’s an improvement and it makes a big difference to how you feel.”

Allan says the care has made all the difference. “You’ve done well for me, really. When I came in, I couldn’t breathe properly. I was knackered. Now, I feel a lot better. I’ve still got trouble breathing, but nothing like it was. You’ve given me some strength back.”

One of the brightest moments of his stay has been meeting Ernie and Albert, two therapy dogs brought in by the father and daughter team at Gentle Paws Therapy Dogs.

Allan added: “When the dogs came in, that was brilliant. I’m not what you’d call a dog lover, but those ones, they were calm, gentle, and made me feel relaxed. It’s funny, really, how an animal can sit by you and suddenly you feel lighter. It made me smile.”

“I saw one with a biscuit on its paw, and it didn’t move until it was told it could, they were really nice dogs.”

On the care he's received by The Kirkwood nurses Allan said: “The nurses here are so friendly. I couldn’t have a bad word to say about any of them. They do everything for you and never make you feel like a burden. Even the chef comes in to ask what you want for dinner, that makes you feel not just like a patient.”

Looking back, Allan wishes he’d sought help sooner: “If I’d listened to my nephew earlier, I wouldn’t have got as bad as I did. But I always thought, ‘I’ll be all right.’ I left it too long, really. You don’t like to admit you need help, but looking back, I should have.”

And his message to anyone else who may need The Kirkwood’s support? He explained: “If anybody’s out there needing care and they’re nervous about coming here, I’d say just let them look after you. There’s no need to worry. They’ll do anything for you, and it makes such a difference.” 

Thanks to The Kirkwood and Gentle Paws Therapy Dogs, Allan’s days are now a little brighter. With Ernie and Albert spreading joy wherever they go, there were smiles all around the hospice.

Allan finally said: “The Kirkwood has improved my life. I’ve no pain at the moment, I’m eating and drinking better, and I feel stronger than I did. I thought I was going, but I’m still here and that's thanks to the fantastic The Kirkwood team.” 

If you need advice or care like Allen please click here to find out more.