"My dad"

My Dad was admitted on to Waddington unit on Christmas Eve after being sent to MEAU the previous day by his GP.

He was diagnosed with Acute Myloid Luekemia the same day.

A huge shock for us all. Dad had intense Chemotherapy for ten days and was treated with such care and compassion.

Unfortunately he got a number of infections as his immune system was already so low.

Dad gave everything he could and fought with such bravery.

On Monday the 16th of January he made a brave decision to stop all treatment. The combination of Luekemia and other things robbed him of everything.

The Drs and nursing staff were so very caring and explained everything to both dad and my mum.

The following two days were heartbreaking and dad lost consciousness. Throughout the final hours of dads life all the staff on Waddington Unit were just incredible. They treated dad with such dignity and respect. Not only caring for dad but for mum, my sister, brother and myself. They gave us privacy and allowed us all to be with dad until he passed away at 02. 30 on Wednesday morning. The difference they all made and their compassion and empathy will be something we will all carry with us for a very long time.

Words will never be enough to express our gratitude to all involved in dads care.

You are all truly special people.

With grateful thanks,

Helen, Tracy, Angela and Dean,

Family of Jeff Hutchinson.