20 Jan 2026 Patient and Family Stories

Shaun Clough’s The Kirkwood Story

Shaun Clough is 64 years old and is currently being cared for on The Kirkwood In-Patient Unit after being diagnosed with cancer around six weeks ago. Shaun says it has been a difficult and uncertain time but that the care and support he has received by The Kirkwood has made a real difference.

Before coming into the hospice, Shaun began experiencing sudden symptoms that quickly changed everything. When his legs became weak and he could no longer walk, it left him unable to manage everyday life in the way he once could.

He said: “I got diagnosed with cancer about six weeks ago, I figured it out gradually, from what the doctors were saying. It didn’t seem really positive, so I knew straight away it was cancer.”

Shaun said one of the most difficult parts of his illness was the sudden loss of independence. “My legs went, they just got all weak and I couldn’t walk all of a sudden, it was scary.” 

Shaun has now been on The Kirkwood inpatient unit for around two weeks and says the experience has been far better than he ever expected: “It’s been like a five star hotel compared to the hospital. I didn’t think it would be that nice.” 

Shaun added: “All the nurses have been brilliant, they have talked to me and cared for me fantastically well. I feel comfortable here.”

Since arriving, Shaun says he has noticed an improvement in himself and that little changes have helped him feel slightly better: “When I first came in, I was drinking out of plastic beakers, I’ve got a glass now and I’ve not dropped them yet!”

Before his admission, Shaun knew very little about The Kirkwood, aside from seeing one of the charity’s shops: “I didn’t know much about The Kirkwood before I came here. I only really knew about it because I’d seen a charity shop somewhere.”

After looking the hospice up online, Shaun discovered about the hospice: “I googled it,” he said. “At first it said they all had so many beds but it seems like a big place.”

Shaun says his time at the hospice has opened his eyes to the important role The Kirkwood plays in the local community: “It’s been a pleasant experience,” he said. “Everybody’s really nice, the food’s really good, it seems like they have a very good chef. I’m a fussy eater, all my life I’ve only eaten things like fish fingers, beans, pies and chips.”

When asked what he would say to someone who might need the hospice’s support in the future, Shaun’s response was simple: “Get in touch if you need support, I’ve never been in such a nice place.”

Shaun's words perfectly capture what so many families and patients experience with The Kirkwood, expert care, comfort, dignity, and compassion, when it matters most.

If you would like to support The Kirkwood and help us continue caring for patients like Shaun, you can donate HERE.