As the family mourn the passing of their former Gulls football star Paul Holmes, 56, who passed away at Rowcroft Hospice on 7 May, they have issued a moving message of thanks to the hospice teams for the exceptional care and support that the whole family received from the charity.
After a diagnosis of bowel cancer in June 2023, Paul received care and support at home from Rowcroft’s Community Team, before entering Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit in Torquay in late April. Throughout his five-week stay, the hospice’s dedicated team of professionals ensured that Paul and his loved ones received specialist care and support tailored to their individual needs.
“I don’t know what we’d have done if Rowcroft wasn’t here,” said Paul’s wife Kate in a video that she and Paul took part in to shine a light on the important care that the hospice provides. “We’ve got five children between us: I’ve got two and Paul’s got three and we’re a very well sewn together patchwork family. The care has been tailored to all of our needs. Everybody was supported and they’ve allowed us to make new memories with Paul.
They’ve got time to reassure, to alleviate fears, to explain, and they created a bond with us straight away. “They are the most special people; they can’t do enough for you. It enabled us a family to continue to make memories, to feel safe, feel secure, feel loved, and feel cared for.”
“I can’t thank them enough for giving me these extra days, weeks, whatever I’ve got left,” said Paul.
Photography by Roy Riley 2024
“It was a privilege to care for Paul,” said Kayleigh Hines, who was one of Rowcroft’s team who supported Paul in the Inpatient Unit. “Our highly skilled multidisciplinary team was able to provide a range of specialist support that helped Paul and his loved ones through the end of his life, recognising what is important in the context of a family structure.
“Paul was such a special person and adored by his family. I loved hearing all about his incredible life as a footballer and it is clear that he holds a special place in the hearts of the Torquay United fans. All of us at Rowcroft extend our deepest sympathies to his family and all who knew him.”
Yorkshire-born Paul’s memorable football career included two four-year stints at Torquay United between 1988-1992 and 1999-2003 where he played as an attacking right-back. He also made 306 more appearances for Doncaster Rovers, Birmingham City, Everton in the Premiership and West Bromwich Albion.
“Paul’s aim was to raise as much money as possible to say thank you and give back to this wonderful and much needed charity who gave him, me and our family so much love, care and support,” added Kate. “He intended to do some fundraising challenges himself but sadly time ran out… so donations in his memory will certainly be a way to help him achieve this ‘goal’! Please give what you can at: paul-holmes.muchloved.com ”
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Images: Paul and Staff Nurse, Lesley and Paul & Kate on their wedding day.
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About Rowcroft Hospice
It takes time, compassion, medical expertise and money to help patients and families make the most of every day, but every year Rowcroft Hospice helps around 2,500 people living with life-limiting illnesses in South Devon to do just that.
By providing comfort, support and specialist services, the hospice enables families to share precious and joyful moments when they are needed most – whether it’s a beautiful wedding, remarkable reunion, simple thank you or gentle cuddle.
From Dartmouth to Dawlish and up onto Dartmoor, Rowcroft cares for 80% of its patients in their own homes with a team of community nurse specialists, social workers, and bereavement volunteers. The team also provides occupational therapy, physiotherapy,complementary therapy, spiritual care and music therapy, delivering a holistic approach tailored to individual needs.
Day and night, Rowcroft’s award-winning Hospice at Home team provide free specialist support to patients at home in their last few of weeks of life. The team helps to monitor and manage symptoms to enable patients to be comfortable and also offers support for loved ones, enabling carers to take much needed breaks. The service includes a dedicated telephone support line 24 hrs a day.
In Rowcroft’s 12-bedded Inpatient Unit in Torquay, the hospice’s team provides specialist care for patients whose complex needs cannot be met at home. Along with high quality health and social care, we also offer delicious homecooked meals and access to our beautiful gardens. The welcoming and homely environment helps patients and families to make the most of precious time together.
Rowcroft is an independent charity with around 75% of its funding derived from the incredible generosity of local people. The hospice team fully acknowledges the current challenging economic climate and is grateful for the local community’s continued support through these tough times; every pound raised makes a real difference.
With an increasingly ageing local population, the demand for Rowcroft’s care has never been greater. The charity currently cares for around one in three people with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon and has ambitious plans to expand its care to reach more people.
For more information, please visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk
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