Peter lived and worked in Reading for most of his life having moved here from Bangor, North Wales as a baby. 

We have one daughter, Rachel and two granddaughters, Anna and Jessica, who Peter absolutely adored. 

Peter's career as a landscape gardener, tree surgeon and forester spanned forty years.  He planted thousands of trees and shrubs across Berkshire and beyond.  The landscape will continue to be shaped by Peter for many years to come.

Peter was referred to the Duchess of Kent Palliative Care Day Hospice in May 2012 after being diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).   This is a progressive neurological disorder resulting in problems with movement, balance and automatic functions of the body.  Peter also had other complex medical conditions.

The medical, spiritual and gentle kindness Peter received was so, so precious. In the last eighteen months of his life, Peter looked forward to attending the day centre weekly, rarely missing a session and without fail, returning home with raised spirits!!

The team's regular specialist monitoring and symptom management meant day to day living was made as comfortable as possible for Peter. We were both able to face each day with confidence knowing the team were there to support us when needed. Peter's trust in the team was absolute, as was mine.

Peter passed away peacefully at home on 8 October 2014.

The Duchess of Kent Hospice team are truly special people.  It is impossible to express in words the gratitude we both felt then and which I continue to feel today, for the support given to us as a family.  

The service provided by the Duchess of Kent Hospice is free of charge.  

On 26 December 2015, I will be flying to Tanzania in Africa to do a sponsored climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.  Please help raise vital funds by sponsoring me so that other people may benefit from this wonderful service.  

Thank you so much.

Jan