Find out more about our Myton at Home service here!

In 2015, Julie O’Sullivan was diagnosed with Stage 4 Thymoma, a rare form of cancer that affects the thymus, an organ involved in the lymphatic and immune systems.

Julie’s husband, John, said:

Julie had been living relatively well for about nine years, we would go on holiday and enjoy life as much as we could. During this time, we sadly knew what the outcome would be and even looked around Warwick Myton Hospice five years ago as an option for when the time came. We knew Julie wanted to die at home, but we all agreed that Warwick Myton Hospice would be a good place to be if we weren’t able to keep her comfortable at home.

In 2024, Julie spent time in hospital before she discharged herself in August. The family considered trying to arrange a bed at our Warwick Myton Hospice until a doctor mentioned our Myton at Home service, offering an alternative that allowed Julie to receive our specialist palliative and end of life care in the comfort of her own home.

Julie’s daughter, Hannah, added:

We had no idea Myton offered an at home service, thinking the only place for mum would be Warwick Myton Hospice. But we all knew mum would be happiest and most comfortable at home. The team came out to us the very same day mum was discharged from hospital.

Julie initially received daily visits from our Myton at Home Team, which gradually increased to three times a day as she became more unwell.

John continued:

The team were amazing, the nurses, Andy, Harriet, Tammy and Michelle, were incredible. As well as the medical side of things, they dealt with her personal care too, which is something we couldn’t do. It preserved us as a family, respecting Julie’s dignity. The trust we put into them to care for Julie was massive, we couldn’t have kept her at home without them. There were good days and bad days, and they were there through it all.

Hannah said:

Myton at Home provided an extended level of care that was just so valuable. I remember Michelle even cut mum’s hair at one point! They were all amazing. Having the familiarity with the same group of nurses really made her feel comfortable, and they had a laugh with her. It wasn’t doom and gloom all the time and they helped us to find happy moments during what was a very difficult time. They were also incredibly sensitive, talking to us separately about what to expect as she deteriorated, protecting her but keeping us informed.

After 44 years of marriage to John, Julie died in November 2024, aged 65 years old surrounded by John, their son, Tom, and daughter, Hannah.

John commented:

We wouldn’t have been able to care for Julie without the Myton at Home team. The kindness they have for families like us going through the worst situation is incredible. Julie was so bubbly, always laughing. She never complained and just got on with it. Myton at Home helped Julie remain herself right up to the very end.

At Julie’s wake, the family generously matched the amount spent at the bar to make a donation to Myton.

John commented:

We knew we wanted to collect money for Myton at her wake, and thought this was the best way to do it. Instead of offering an open bar, we asked guests to purchase their drinks and we would donate the same amount that they spent to Myton. We’re so grateful to everyone who attended Julie’s wake and we’d like to say thank you for contributing to this fundraiser for Myton.

John and his family have donated an incredibly generous £10,400 for our Myton at Home service, and are hoping to fundraise further to match this total with the support of friends, family and colleagues.

John and Hannah are also keen to raise awareness of our Myton at Home service, John explained:

Most people in the area know of Myton, you see them everywhere. But many people don’t realise support is available to help you care for your loved ones at home, and the value the Myton at Home service brings to families like mine. We want more people to be aware of this amazing service and all it has to offer.

We would like to say a huge thank you to John and his family for their incredible generosity, and for sharing their story. Our vital work wouldn’t be possible without the support of people like them.

Donate to John's fundraiser here!

Find out more about our Myton at Home service here!