James with his family (left) and James' sister Jade with her son named in honour of his uncle Picture: Hospice at Home

Christchurch dad’s final wish to spend final days at home fulfilled – now his family wants to help others

Tait ap EllisAugust 7, 20250 Comment0

A YOUNG Christchurch father was able to spend his final days surrounded by loved ones – and his family are encouraging others to donate to the hospice so more people are given this option.

James Barber was just 37 when he died of terminal bladder cancer in 2023.

Thanks to the Hospice at Home team, he was able to remain in the comfort of his own home, close to his wife and baby daughter, receiving the care he needed with dignity and compassion.

Now, his family is asking for help to ensure more families can have the same choice.

Hospice at Home, run by the Macmillan Unit hospice and funded by the charity Macmillan Caring Locally, provides 24/7 expert care to patients with a life-limiting illness.

The service currently supports around 200 patients each year in Christchurch, Bournemouth and surrounding areas, through an average of 2,700 home visits – but demand is growing and the charity needs help to expand and secure its future.

James’ sister, Jade Carpenter, said: “When we found out James was terminally ill, the only thing he wanted was to spend as much time with his family as possible. Hospice at Home made that possible.

“They were there when we needed them, either just a phone call away, or at other times visiting daily to help with medication and care. They supported James with such dignity, and they supported us too as a family. We want others to have that same chance.”

Since James’ passing, Jade has given birth to a baby boy – named in honour of his uncle.

“We’re asking people to support Hospice at Home so that more families can have the comfort, care, and choice that we had,” she said.

Christchurch-based structure company Mar-Key has helped to create a moving short film of Jade talking about James’ care with the expertise of Pulse8 Video Production, in support of the appeal.

“I would like to urge people to donate if they can,” Jade added. “This support will help others who wish to spend their final days at home, surrounded by love.”

Fundraising and communications director for Macmillan Caring Locally, Lin Sharp said: “The Hospice at Home Appeal is providing our community with access to round-the-clock clinical care when they need it most.

“We would like to thank those who have donated to Macmillan Caring Locally in the past, but we need your help to raise further funds every year so we can provide this specialist care for many more people like James, who wish to be at home with their families during their final days.

“Please can you help us secure the future of our Hospice at Home service.”

To watch Jade’s moving video and support or donate to the Hospice at Home Appeal visit: https://www.macmillanlocal.org/hospice-at-home-appeal/