Dimitri’s Story

After being diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer in November 2024, Dimitri underwent surgery to remove a tumour on his brain. Throughout this difficult process, he was supported by the Hospice Nurse Specialist team from Wigan & Leigh Hospice.

Born in Romania, Dimitri moved to the UK in 2014. Once he became ill, he moved in with his brother and sister-in-law who have helped him as he undergoes treatment.

He was introduced to the Hospice team after being referred by a Urology specialist at Leigh Infirmary. This is when he met Hospice Nurse Specialist, Katie who began regular visits to monitor his symptoms and helped to put together a medication plan that would ensure Dimitri’s symptoms were managed and controlled.

‘Meeting the nurses was great, everyone was nice and friendly. I have met a few nurses so far, but Katie is the one who helps me the most. They are all very helpful, Katie supports me mentally, emotionally, gives good advice when I need it and helps me with my medication.

Hospice care is very familiar to me as it is well known in Romania. The difference here is that it is free support and it is support that I welcome. In Romania, if you are terminally ill and need care it is very expensive. Here, the hospice offers free care and support which is a big thing for me.

The hospice is a wonderful place, it is comforting to me to know there are people there if I need them. I am at the stage where I am still capable of doing a lot of things and do not need much support, but I don’t know what will happen in the future. Knowing somebody will be there is very comforting, like a safety net.

I believe the hospice is a good place and even if I don’t go there physically, I know they are there if I need them and they will give me all I need.’

Published February 2024