16 Nov 2018 Care

Kirkwood’s Purr-fect Visitor

Colin Barton, of Heckmondwike, is currently a patient on Kirkwood’s In-Patient Unit. On Friday 16th November, there was a special visitor as Colin’s much-loved family cat, Gerry, came to spend the day.

Colin Barton is originally from Folkestone in Kent but has lived in Heckmondwike with his wife, Carol, for many years. In January, Colin and Carol will be celebrating 50 years of marriage.

Throughout his illness living with COPD, Colin has had lots of special visitors including his two sons, Richard and Stephen, and three grandchildren, Caitlin, Xander and Ewin. However today marks the first visit from Gerry, the family’s 15-year-old feline friend.

Gerry was one of two family cats of the Bartons, the other being Tom; making up the duo Tom and Gerry. However it was soon discovered that Tom was actually a ‘Tomasina’!

After spending time at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, and then being transferred to Kirkwood’s In-Patient Unit earlier this week, it has been just over a month since Colin last saw Gerry.

Kirkwood has enabled Gerry to come and spend the day with Colin on the In-Patient Unit, and she has enjoyed relaxing at the foot of Colin’s bed, exploring the Hospice gardens and getting lots of fuss from Colin’s family and Kirkwood staff alike!

Speaking of the level of care received at Kirkwood, and the amount of staff time per person, Colin said that he has really noticed a difference.

Colin said: “I’ve had a hell of a lot of support and it’s done me the world of good having Gerry to visit.

“I am gobsmacked with it all. I really am very happy.”