Daniel’s story

Daniel, 46, was Head of Business and Economics at a big secondary school in the Reading area. After successfully starting his working life in sales, Daniel wasn’t sure about his career path and then later found his niche as a teacher. He’d not enjoyed school when he was younger, so felt he could make a difference to students who’d felt similarly unmotivated and directionless. He found his home in teaching and did incredibly well in his career.

Daniel was diagnosed with bowel cancer back in 2023 and after having some surgery, he was later told the cancer had spread and would be terminal. He received chemotherapy throughout his illness but was determined that his treatment would not interrupt his plans for life. He kept working throughout his treatment and would negotiate the timings of his chemotherapy so he could go on holiday. The attitude of his medical team in Reading was that he should have the best quality of life and so they encouraged him to travel abroad during the summer holidays.

After a trip to Vietnam in the summer of 2025, it became clear that Daniel’s health had deteriorated further. He came to Banbury to visit his parents, Janet and Robert, and had to be admitted to the Horton Hospital. After a few days, he was then transferred to Katharine House once there was a bed available. He needed hospice care and so Katharine House welcomed him.

Although Daniel had originally hoped to be cared for locally in Reading, upon arriving at Katharine House he couldn’t believe the facilities offered to him. He was given a large single room, with views of the beautiful gardens and his own TV. He wondered whether he would have to pay for the services but was told that everything was free of charge. He also felt more relieved once he was assured by staff that he would not have to move. Janet and Robert could visit him regularly, which made it much easier for them.

The caring staff who looked after Daniel on a daily basis had a great rapport with him. He got to know them all by name and the staff were never intrusive but were always nearby if Daniel needed anything. Daniel’s mum, Janet, said that the family were allowed space when they needed it, and that was so important. Daniel’s comfort was paramount and he was offered options for alleviating symptoms, so he could choose what felt right to him. This meant the team were able to control his pain, and other symptoms, and he was able to relax.

Food was important to Daniel, and if there was nothing on the daily menu that he wanted to eat, the team would ask what he would like instead. The hospice catering team will always offer to cook different meals for patients if they’d prefer it, personalising to individual tastes. Daniel also mentioned that he would like to host a meal for his parents, so the team worked with him to make it happen. They set out a private room with a specially set table, and Daniel selected the menu (fish and chips) so he was in charge and looking after his parents at that point.

The Katharine House team regularly refers to ‘making every moment matter’ and do what they can to allow patients and their loved ones to make more special memories, focusing on what is important to them individually. Daniel asked for a haircut and so the team organised for a local barber to visit to cut his hair and trim his beard for him.

Also, as a proud uncle to his niece and nephew, Daniel had taken them on lots of trips over the years. One of the things he’d hoped to do with them was take them to the West End, and so the hospice set up a special film night for them as a substitute, complete with ice cream and popcorn.

“He found contentment and peace at Katharine House. He was accepting of his fate, and faced it with a clarity and bravery. In those final days, he greeted all his visitors whether it be friends, colleagues or family with the same caring warmth but was also able to say when he needed to rest and it was time for them to go!” – Daniel’s brother, Ben

In his later days at the hospice, Daniel had very frank conversations with doctor, Jodie, about how many days he may live for and what to expect. He wanted to know, and the team were able to respond in very clear, gentle language. Jodie asked Daniel who he would like to be with him at the end and he was able to say that he wanted his parents, and also his brother and best friend. So, this is what happened. Two days after the trip to Mercedes, Daniel decided that he’d done everything he wanted to do and on the Wednesday he sadly died.

Every patient at Katharine House is cared for with a personalised, tailored approach. Daniel made a real impact on the staff and became very well-known during the few weeks he was being cared for at the hospice. He was comfortable and so therefore his family and friends all felt comfortable visiting.

“We were able to keep him very calm. The things that mattered to Dan were that he knew what was going on. He was very content and maintained his dignity. He was very clear that it was nothing to be frightened of.” – Daniel’s Mum, Janet

Daniel came to Katharine House on the 16 October 2025 and sadly died on the 5 November.

It is thanks to the donations of our wonderful supporters that we’re able to continue providing care to people affected by life-limiting illnesses and their families, helping them make the most of the time they have left and create quality memories with their loved ones. If you would like to make a donation, please click on the button below.

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