A book shop with a difference opened this week in Sutton Valence, Kent. Rob McCann has a long history with Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford and his journey began when he took on a short-term role in the Finance department after retiring as an accountant but is now a patient receiving care at the hospice.
Rob has now also turned fundraiser and has opened a shop in his home village of Sutton Valence to sell his 4,000 book collection with profits all going to the hospice.
Rob also wants to share his love of books with the community and would like to see the shop become a little community space where people can come to browse, shop and read and even have a cup of tea or coffee with him. For as long as he stays well and able to do so he will be opening the shop regularly around his chemo treatments and all-important dog walks!
Chief Executive of Heart of Kent Hospice, Rachel Street officially opened the shop alongside The Worshipful, the Mayor of Maidstone, Councillor John Perry and Mayoress Mrs Jan Perry on Tuesday 25 March 2025.
Rob Said: “What was meant to be short maternity cover position in the finance team at the hospice turned into 14 months of the best job I’d ever had. The dedication of the hospice colleagues amazed me, and I soon realised that if I ever needed care, this was where I wanted to be.
“In July 2023, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given just weeks to live—yet here I am, 18 months later, still going strong! I joke that they need to hurry up building the new hospice in Linton, as I plan to be the first patient.
“One key factor in my decision was my dog, Freddie. When I asked if he could be allowed to stay with me, the answer was an immediate yes—they’d even had a pony visit before! That sealed the deal.
“Having worked at the hospice, I thought I understood it, but becoming a patient showed me just how special it truly is.
It’s not just a place where people go to die—it’s full of life, warmth, and support. The hospice team, especially Kerry and Laura, has made sure I have everything I need, from pain management to a blue parking badge.
“Despite chemo, a collapsed lung, and ongoing treatment, I feel surprisingly good. Exercise has been key – I even ran the Hospice Maidstone Road Run 5k during chemo (though my doctor wasn’t thrilled!). Walking my dogs keeps me moving, and my WhatsApp group of 93 friends keeps my spirits up.
“My partner, Sue, has found it tough, but hospice counselling has been a lifeline for her. We’ve also completed my Advance Care Plan, ensuring my wishes are clear.
At the top of that plan? ‘Where do you want to die’.
“For me, the answer is simple: at the hospice, where I feel safe, cared for, and—most importantly—at home.”
The hospice’s Chief Executive Rachel Street said: “We are so delighted that Rob has decided to open ‘Capelli’s Books’ to sell the books he has accumulated over his lifetime.
Come along and see his eclectic variety of books on display, and maybe even enjoy a catch up over a cup of tea or coffee!
By way of being different, Capelli Books will not be like other bookstores or book donation points. Opening times will depend on Rob’s state of health. Please refer to the website for up-to-date details.
All profits from the sale of books or drinks will be donated to Heart of Kent Hospice to recognise the care we provide free of charge people like Rob, and others in the Maidstone community.”
Address: Capellis Books, High Street, Sutton Valence, ME17 3AG
To find out more about the new book shop visit www.capellisbooks.co.uk/
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About Heart of Kent Hospice
Heart of Kent Hospice has been providing free, compassionate, end-of-life care to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones in Maidstone, Aylesford, Tonbridge and Malling and the surrounding towns and villages for the past 34 years.
The Hospice has built an excellent reputation within the local community for the quality of its care, which has been further endorsed by the Care Quality Commission who awarded us with an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’ following an inspection in February 2017.
Our vision is for everyone living with a terminal illness in our community to achieve the best quality of life. We are committed to achieving this by enabling them to live in comfort, with independence and dignity to the end of their lives, and to support those closest to them.
Last year the Hospice cared for over 2,000 patients and their families in their own homes or at our Aylesford-based Hospice. Our charity needs to raise £6.6 million to deliver all the Hospices services, and we depend heavily on our loyal community of supporters, whose generous donations and fundraising activities raise money for us every year.
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There are lots of ways people can support Heart of Kent Hospice. Find out more visit www.hokh.org
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