Creating memorable moments for our patients

The Hospice’s Family Support team flew into action last week after a patient on our Sylvan Ward told them his dying wish would be to fly in a Spitfire.

84-year-old John has fond memories of hearing Spitfires flying above his Yorkshire home and his three brothers worked on them during their time in the RAF.

After hearing his request, a member of our Family Support team, contacted Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar to see if they could help. The Biggin Hill team kindly invited John and his wife Heather for a private tour of the hangar in Bromley, Kent.

John was thrilled that his request had come true and said:

“I wasn’t in the best of health on the day of the visit so could not fly, but was happy to be up close to a Spitfire.”

“I could have sat inside the cockpit, but it was very small and would be hard to get out of. I can face most situations but not that. I think the pilots were a lot smaller in those days.”

The Hospice is happy to help create such a memorable moment for John and Heather, who celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this week!