22 Jun 2026 Community

How The Kirkwood Helped Elaine and Her Family When They Needed It Most

When Lianne Spear's mum, Elaine, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015 at the age of 58, the family knew they were facing an uncertain future. Given an initial prognosis of between two months and two years, Elaine's determination and resilience saw her live for another 11 years, creating countless memories with the people she loved most.

Throughout her illness, Elaine refused to let cancer define her. She continued to care for her family, enjoy holidays with her husband and spend precious time with her grandchildren, all while undergoing extensive treatment.

"My mum, Elaine, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015 aged 58," said Lianne. "She lived with cancer on and off for 11 years which was remarkable given the prognosis was two months to two years. In that time she showed up to every appointment and endured gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy alongside living a fulfilling life, keeping an immaculate home, tending to the garden with dad, helping raise her four grandchildren and spending time with her friends."

However, in early 2026, Elaine's condition deteriorated rapidly, Lianne continued: "After a short stay in hospital we learnt, the cancer had spread to multiple places including her brain and as a result lost her mobility. She was discharged home with medication and a bunch of phone numbers. We were tasked with arranging everything on our own without direction and met with all kinds of obstacles."

As Elaine's health declined, the family found themselves struggling to coordinate care, obtain medication and secure the support she desperately needed: "Mum rapidly went downhill and we quickly reached crisis point," said Lianne. "We struggled to get medication she so desperately needed and the Easter bank holiday made things so much harder."

Following a referral to The Kirkwood, the family were introduced to the hospice's services and given access to the 24-hour advice line. Lianne added: "Mum's GP had completed a standard referral to The Kirkwood, they made contact by telephone and gave us a 24-hour helpline number, this was a lifeline to us."

Despite support from community services, the family recognised that Elaine needed specialist care around the clock. Together with The Kirkwood team, the decision was made for her to spend her final days at the hospice.

Lianne said: "Our five-day experience with The Kirkwood was invaluable, it transported us from a world of sleepless nights, constant phone calls to nurses and ambulance services, endless conversations repeating the same things over and over and learning how to administer medication, basically the most stressful situation we have ever been in."

She added: "The Kirkwood instantly took all that stress away and within 24 hours it was as if all that stress and worry was behind us. Now dad could be a husband rather than a carer and myself and my sister could be her daughters."

With the burden of caring lifted, the family were able to focus on what mattered most, spending precious time together. Among the memories the family treasure most are the simple but meaningful moments they shared during Elaine's final days.

"We had some real beautiful moments like a blessing from a local vicar which the staff helped us to arrange and listening to music, reliving the good old days. My mum had a few lucid hours and she said, 'I am loved, I am cared for, everyone is looking after me.' This was a moment of pure joy for us, affirming she did know what was happening around her and knew we were doing our best."

Lianne praised the attention to detail shown by staff, who took the time to get to know Elaine as a person: "Staff took time to talk with us and learn about mum, writing her favourite songs on a whiteboard in her room so staff knew what to play through the TV. A real nice touch was the nurses writing 'Elaine loves shopping' on her board too."

The support extended beyond Elaine's care, with staff ensuring the family were looked after too: "Staff looked after us, making sure we were eating regularly and making up beds for us to sleep. Sleep and food were something we were not getting at home."

When Elaine died peacefully on 23 April 2026, her family were together by her side: "When the time came on 23rd April, the four of us were all together, myself, my sister, dad and mum. Our journey with The Kirkwood did not end there. They phoned us to check in and talking therapies have been offered. We know we can walk around the gardens any time we like."

The family have continued to support the hospice since Elaine's death, raising more than £200 through a collection at her funeral. Lianne's dad has attended a The Kirkwood coffee morning and is even considering volunteering in the future.

Reflecting on her experience, Lianne believes The Kirkwood provides something truly invaluable to local families facing the most difficult of circumstances: "This is the second occasion in my lifetime I have needed The Kirkwood, my grandma passed away here almost 22 years to the day before mum."

She added: "The Kirkwood is an invaluable asset to the people of Kirklees. It enables people to die with dignity and respect whilst allowing families space to process their impending loss surrounded by the most genuine, loveliest people. The Kirkwood provides a safe space sheltered from ordinary people going about their business whilst you're going through a life altering experience."

If you've been touched by Lianne's story, help us to care for families like theirs by making a regular donation to our cause by clicking HERE!