Special Family Moments

The below is John’s story, written by his daughter and about something special. Taking a moment, a treat and a love, then sharing it with family and embracing it as a cherish moment together.

“My dad has been having cancer treatment on and off for the past ten years. He received the news that he had Stage 4 lung cancer in December 2023. Since starting palliative chemotherapy he has had to endure regular cycles of treatment with precious six week breaks from treatment in between to allow his body to recover before starting the next cycle.

During one of his treatment days in the Chatsfield suite at DRI a nurse told my dad about Evestrust and my dad thought it was a wonderful charity. He brought a leaflet home to show us and we all read about the incredible work the charity does for people with cancer and their families.

One of the things my dad has always enjoyed is eating good food! Unfortunately, the chemotherapy has made food less of pleasure (in fact more of a chore) as during the treatment cycles food no longer tastes the same; previously tasty favourite foods often now taste horrible.

Prior to my dad starting on palliative chemotherapy on very special occasions we would try to save up to visit The Pipe and Glass in South Dalton - a Michelin Starred pub restaurant, with beautifully appointed rooms you can stay in overnight to make going out for a meal a truly luxurious experience, which can be savoured and enjoyed, without the concern of a drive home afterwards. Last year my dad said he’d love for us to be able to visit The Pipe and Glass again, during one of his six week treatment breaks, so that he could enjoy the food. The problem was saving up for the three of us (my dad, my mum and me) to be able to afford to go. It didn’t seem like it would be possible, but I remembered the EvesTrust leaflet and got in touch.

Unbelievably, our dreams coordinator at EvesTrust made it happen! She arranged it for a date that was within a treatment break, so my dad could really taste the amazing Michelin Starred food and we had rooms booked for us so we could stay over. We had our table booked from 5.30pm for the whole evening, so we had no need to rush: we could relax and take the time to enjoy each other’s company, as well as the incredible food. My dad immediately found his favourite meal on the menu as soon as we’d sat down - delighted that it was still something the restaurant served! It was an incredible evening, with conversation and laughter and more memories made.

EvesTrust is a remarkable charity as we would have not been able to make this happen without them. We’ve also still got the delicious breakfast awaiting us as I type out this write up! Thank you Evestrust, and all there team behind the scenes, especially Baileigh-Jade, from the bottom of our hearts for making this possible for our family”