A KEIGHLEY man has paid tribute to the end-of-life care provided by Manorlands to his late wife.

Alan Parry said she had a "brilliant experience", thanks to the hospice.

He and Ellie had been together for about 15 years, happily married and living a full and active life.

But their world was turned upside down in January, 2012, when Ellie – admitted to hospital with suspected kidney stones – was diagnosed with lung and kidney cancer.

"We were devastated," said Alan.

"The following year was spent in and out of hospitals receiving treatment. Some of the experiences we encountered were indifferent to say the least."

Subsequent scans revealed the lung cancer had spread and Ellie was given just months to live.

"Later in 2013 – following treatment in hospital – she became ill with infections and at that point refused to go back to hospital," added Alan.

"When infection returned the following March, our local doctors contacted Manorlands for help and it agreed to treat her at the hospice.

"In accordance with Ellie's wishes, Manorlands arranged for a visit from a community nurse specialist to help develop a care plan to meet her needs at home.

"The nurse organised for an occupational therapist from the hospice to visit and provide aids for bathing and walking, which gave Ellie more independence and quality of life.

"The most important benefit for Ellie was the knowledge that when the end came, her wish was not to die in hospital, but to be at home or in the hospice."

Ellie died at Manorlands.

"She passed away in a nice environment – with dignity and pain free," said Alan.