Wrexham hospice “provided dignity until the very end” of man’s battle with Motor Neurone Disease

A woman has paid tribute to the hospice that “provided dignity until the very end” for her husband during his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

At the age of 70, Ken Chesworth was dealt a devastating blow when he was diagnosed with the condition.

Motor Neurone Disease, of which there is no cure, gradually shuts down all of the muscles in the body and causes issues with speech.

This news had a profound impact on Ken, particularly because he had always been an active individual.

His wife, Angela Chesworth, has now paid tribute to the staff at Nightingale House Hospice, who provided dignity until the very end of Ken’s life.

Ken sought support from Nightingale House Hospice, despite being reluctant to reach out, after a family member who worked at the Wrexham-based hospice suggested he reached out for support.

“Ken really didn’t like the sound of a hospice and was unenthusiastic about the prospect of going,” explained Angela.

“But we all said ‘Just give it a go. If you don’t like it, no problem.’

“He went, and he never looked back. He was hooked!”

“He started going once a week to access a whole host of services. He’d have Reiki, massage, and physiotherapy sessions to keep his limbs moving.

“He loved music therapy sessions, where he would join in with cymbals the team would strap to his feet, and sing along with everybody.

“They also had regular quizzes, which he loved, Ken would come home having won some prize or other.”

Following his diagnosis, Ken’s condition slowly deteriorated.

Angela explained: “As his condition worsened, the hospice invited Ken for respite care, which was a few days and sometimes a week here and there, which helped him to feel better and gave us a break that we really needed.

“Ken had said he wanted to be at home at the end. However, as his condition declined, he realised that we could no longer meet his needs at home.

“When it was suggested that he went to the hospice, he smiled. He was going to his second home.

“The hospice gave us one of their large rooms with an extra bed, and I never left his side during those final days.

“Ken died peacefully, without pain, and I was by his side.”

Angela added: “This cruel disease took everything away from Ken. But with the help and love from Nightingale House, we kept his pride and provide dignity intact until the very end.

“Nightingale House gave the very best end- of-life experience Ken could have ever wished for. It is a priceless local service that we should all cherish and support.

“My children and I are raising money for the hospice’s new Inpatient Unit so that they can provide support when a family like ours needs it, as they did for us and Ken.”