Whether spending time with his wife of 58 years and his five grandchildren or playing golf at Radyr Golf Club, sociable family man and sports lover Alan Buckle was energised and thrived when around other people. He received specialist palliative care from City Hospice towards the end of his life.
A former sales and marketing director for a car parts company, Alan enjoyed being with his family, lifelong friends and the new friends he made as he took up golf in retirement. Although he loved all sports, golf was a particular passion of his and he always wanted good weather so he could play a round. The pastime became something which he was determined to get back to when he became ill.
Alan was initially diagnosed with prostate cancer in his sixties. Despite surgery to remove his prostate, his prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels continued to increase which suggested that the cancer had spread. He received further treatment and took part in the Phase 1 clinical trial with Velindre for a decade, becoming an advocate for new treatment options and supporting others through their cancer journeys despite his own illness.
In October 2023, Alan began to experience backache and further mobility issues in the new year sadly led to the discovery of a tumour on his spine which was compressing his nerves. He was transferred to the care of City Hospice and received end of life palliative care in May.
His son Nick said: “We hadn’t heard of City Hospice before and my mum was worried initially because she didn’t understand what could be offered through hospice care. We were immediately reassured; the hospice made a difficult situation better and were the glue holding everything together.
“Without City Hospice, Dad may have been admitted to a hospice unit or hospital. We are so fortunate that he was able to stay at home, allowing family and friends to be there and spend time with him. He was such a people person, so it made a big difference at a tough time.
“Our nurse Louise was great; everyone needs a Louise in their life! The care and compassion we received from her and the wider City Hospice team still resonates with us now. Everyone worked together to facilitate a really dignified final week of his life which was heartbreakingly lovely.”
In the lead up to Christmas, Alan’s family will be planting plenty of bulbs so that flowers including daffodils and bluebells can bloom in spring, his favourite season. The family previously supported the charity’s Forever Flowers campaign.
Nick added: “We bought a Remember Me Rose to remember and celebrate Dad. It was nice to come to the castle to see the roses, meet volunteers and share experiences. In a situation such as palliative care, it can feel like you’re the only family going through it but visiting the display allowed me to meet others who have had the same care and experiences.
“We hope to take part in more events and fundraising in the future but felt it was important to share Dad’s story now in support of the Light up a Life appeal.”
A donation made during the Light up a Life appeal will make a world of difference to a family facing terminal illness in the community. To donate, visit https://www.cityhospice.org.uk/star-in-the-sky/ or call 02920 524 150.
