Sue Ryder

1/10/2013 Tuesday we met staff at Sue Ryder for the first time to look around Leckhampton Court.  We both wept uncontrollably as we sat in the foyer as the realisation of where this painful journey had bought us hit home - a tidal wave of sadness.  Together we would face the coming weeks.

8/10/13 Tuesday we had our second visit to Sue Ryder and met with Dr Paul Perkins to talk about Christine coming in for a couple of weeks - at the time she didn't want to go in. The following day Chris felt she was ready and I rang Paul to see if was still possible.  Thank you Paul for finding a bed the next day.

10/10/13 Thursday Christine and myself packed a small bag and drove to Sue Ryder Hospice. Initially this was for a short stay so that Christine's pain could be managed at home.  By Saturday Christine's health had dropped and Doctors spoke to us about the possibility that Chris would not be well enough to go home .  News that broke our hearts.  Within days Chris was pain free and comfortable and either William or myself would sleep in the chair by her side.

Prior to this, in late September and early October it was glorious weather and Christine and myself would often lie on the bed at home in the afternoon sun. I would read Longbourn by Jo Baker to Christine and she would rest her head on my chest or lie by my side. It was during one of these peaceful moments that Chris said 'If I was to go now that would be OK as I'm really quite happy now'.  She wasn't in pain and she knew what she thinking.  I cried and agreed with her and we held each other tightly as we wrestled with wanting to go and wanting to stay.

The weekend

7/10/2013 Gill, Iain and the kids popped down.  A lovely afternoon.

6/10/2013 Sunday we drove down to Bath to see William and drop off his bike. He wants to cycle to University to save money and keep fit.  An exhausting weekend for Chris.

5/10/2013 Saturday Anita and John came over, we ordered a take away curry and watched the video of Anita's successful book launch and Strictly.  We're very proud of Anita - she has written a fantastic book on financial advice for widows with profits going to Mary Stevens Hospice.

4/10/2013 Chris and myself went to pick a cheap road bike for me that we bought off Ebay.  The chap lived in Highnam woods in a small woodsmans shed. A precious memory.

1/10/2013 A meal at the Twelve Bells. Prawn Cocktail and Cappuccino for Chris and Steak for me.  In the afternoon we sorted out the paperwork for Chris's Blue Badge.  In the morning we went to Coombe Hill Nature Reserve, a very damp day. We walked hand in hand for about 100 yards.  Chris just wouldn't give up and wanted to do things even when in pain.