In Memory of Mick Drury

Mick Was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer at the beginning of 2025. In September we were told there was nothing more that could be done so Mick came home for End of Life Care. It was important to Mick, myself and our children, Katie and Sam that he remained at home where he could be part of family life, see his grandchildren play in the garden and be able to see the wildlife in his garden. It also meant that family and friends could visit whenever they wanted to without the restrictions of visiting hours.

Caring for Mick at home was easy - he was the best patient. With the support of a fantastic team made up of District Nurses, MacMillan Nurses, the Poppy Suite Stoma Care Team and Dr Roy his Oncologist, we were able to care for him in the comfort of his own home.

When Mick’s health deteriorated further, for his comfort, he was cared for in a specialised bed with a pressure care mattress.

The only thing that would have improved the experience of caring for Mick, and for him, the experience of being cared for , would have been to be closer to him.

A cuddle bed would have made this possible.

A cuddle bed is a specialised bed with a pressure care mattress and the ability to adjust the height and position of the patient. It has an extension so that a loved one can be next to the person being cared for. These beds available in some hospices and hospitals but not in the community.

As a family we want to make a difference to those who face the challenges of End of Life Care at home by providing a cuddle bed for the use of those living in the East Riding.

Should it not be possible to raise funds for this, the money raised would go towards a cuddle bed for a local hospice.