Colin and Gerry’s Story: Finding life in the time that’s left

When Gerry Newcombe was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, his world changed overnight.

What began as what he thought was a chest infection led to tests, scans and the news that he was living with a terminal illness. Gerry wanted honesty from the start.

“I said to her, just tell me how it is, please. I know, then I can deal with it.”

As he came to terms with his diagnosis, Gerry found himself withdrawing from the people around him. His health was changing, and he was carrying years of difficult experiences alongside the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

“Since I found out, I’d sit in the shed from six o’clock in the morning and not move till four in the morning.”

Gerry had struggled with his mental health throughout his life, and the diagnosis brought many of those feelings to the surface again. Eventually, he made the difficult decision to ask for help.

Finding support

Gerry was introduced to St Nicholas Hospice Care through the community team and was referred to the Hospice’s Patient and Family Support Team. At first, he was unsure about counselling and missed some appointments. It was his brother, Colin Newcombe, who encouraged him to keep going.

“I said, what I’ll do, I’ll pick you up every week and take you. If at any point you’re uncomfortable, we can just say you want to leave and then we’ll go home.”

Over time, Gerry built a strong relationship with Sarah, one of the Hospice’s Patient and Family Support Practitioners. Eventually, Gerry realised just how important that support had become.

She’s not my counsellor. She’s a friend. I could tell Sarah anything, and I know it stays where it has to stay. When I didn’t see Sarah, I realised I needed her.

An unexpected opportunity

For more than two years, Gerry says he struggled to engage with life. Then a conversation at the Hospice led to something neither brother expected.

While attending an appointment together, Gerry spotted information about the London Marathon and suggested Colin should apply. Colin submitted an application there and then sitting in the Hospice car park.

For Colin, the challenge was deeply personal.

“The only reason to run it was entirely for the hospice and for Gerry.”

When a place became available with just ten weeks to train, he accepted without hesitation.

More than a marathon

On the marathon weekend, the brothers travelled to London together. For Gerry, the trip brought a first experience that many people take for granted.

“That was the first time Gerry has ever stayed in a hotel in his life,” said Colin.

Seeing thousands of runners take on the challenge, many with their own stories and struggles, had a profound effect on Gerry.

I realised there’s good people in this world. For the first time since I’ve had this disease all that pain, I had before the marathon in my head was gone.

For Colin, spotting his brother in the crowd during the race gave him the encouragement he needed to keep going.

“It gave me the boost I needed.”

When Colin crossed the finish line, he had completed the marathon for Gerry, in memory of their mum, and in support of St Nicholas Hospice Care.

Colin completed the marathon, not only raising vital funds for the

Hospice, but also becoming part of a record-breaking moment.

“The funny thing is, I didn’t set out to break any records,” Colin says. “But the marathon broke the record for the most finishers ever and so every finisher was awarded a Guinness World Records ‘record breaker’ accreditation.”

Learning to live

The experience marked a turning point for Gerry.

While he understands his illness is terminal, he describes viewing life differently now. Rather than focusing only on what he has lost, he is focused on making the most of the time he has.

“I’m not scared of death now.

“I’m not going to sit in that shed no more. I’m out.

“I’m grateful for what I’ve got left now.”

The brothers hope their story helps people better understand what hospice care can be. For Gerry, the support he received helped him reconnect with life at a time when he felt most alone.

“It’s not where people go to die. It’s where people can learn to live before that.”

And, after everything he has experienced, his message is a simple one:

It’s took me 63 years to find out there’s good people out there. And St Nicholas Hospice Care helped me see that.