The Mountbatten Care at Home team recently helped a patient cross an item off his bucket list: having one last ride in his classic car. 

Michael, 76, is the proud owner of a Lotus Elan - but didn’t think he would get any more use out of it, as his metastatic prostate cancer means he is mostly bedbound. 

He said: “I never thought I would get the high from driving that car again. When it was sat in the garage, there was a time that I thought I’d never actually see it again.”

But when the Mountbatten carers supporting Michael heard about his love for his car, they were determined to give him an experience to remember. They arranged a special trip, using a hoist to get him back into the passenger seat. 

Micheal’s son visited from the mainland for the occasion and took his dad on a fast drive down the Military Road to take in the coastline views, all the way from his home in Freshwater to Chale and back again. 

“It was such a memorable moment, and it meant everything to me to experience that feeling one last time.” Said Michael.

“It was a lovely moment with the Mountbatten team as well – more than one tear was shed, including from me.”

The Care at Home team has been visiting Michael twice daily since July when he was discharged from the inpatient unit in our hospice in Newport. Their visits mean he can live in his home alongside his family while getting the care he needs to be happy and comfortable. 

“Their visits have lifted my spirits. We always have a good chat and lots of laughs. They’ve encouraged me to do more and more things that I enjoy.

“They were all so excited to get me in the car. It’s not just the physical care; they really get to know and care about you. You can’t help but become friends.

“They always look after me so well - but it was just incredible that they made this happen for me.”

Michael has now gifted his car to his son, content with their trip being the last time he used it. 

Your support means our teams can create memorable moments like this and provide the expert care and support people need as they come to the end of their lives. Thank you.

 

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