When Ian’s partner, Joanne, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in late 2023, life changed suddenly. Yet even in the shock of it all, Jo approached her illness with the same clear-headed determination that shaped so much of who she was. She liked to understand things, to prepare and make thoughtful decisions about her own care.
Ian explained: “Jo always liked to know what was happening. Planning ahead helped her feel in control, so she wanted to understand her options and put things in place.”
Jo grew up in Kent, loved animals, was a lifelong fan of Formula 1 and adored VW Beetles. Katie, the family’s VW Beetle 1303, became her and her sister’s first car, and years later she was determined to find the same model again. With Ian’s help, she did.
She loved rock and metal music, made silver jewellery, crocheted and could turn her hand to almost any craft.
Jo and Ian met at university in Salford in the late 90s while studying graphic design. They were part of a lively group of friends who have stayed close ever since. After years of weekend trips to the Peak District from Nottingham, where they had ended up working, they achieved their dream of moving there permanently in 2016.
“Our favourite thing was being in the Peaks,” Ian said. “Just simple things like walking the dogs, being outdoors… that was our life.”
Sadly, when Jo’s cancer returned after surgery and chemotherapy, she made the difficult decision to stop further treatment. Ian said: “One day she just said, ‘I’ve had enough,’ and her sister Lisa and I understood and supported her completely.”
As her illness progressed, Jo spent some time on the Macmillan Ward in Derby, where staff created a peaceful, reassuring environment. But ultimately, she wanted to be at home. Within days, equipment and support were arranged so she could rest comfortably in familiar surroundings.
One evening at home, Jo experienced a frightening episode of breathlessness that left Ian unsure what to do.
Ian remembered the district nurses who supported them had suggested calling Treetops during evenings. From that first call, we stepped in to offer expert care and vital reassurance during Jo’s final weeks.“The Treetops nurse on the phone was so calm. She talked me through things and said they’d come over as soon as they possibly could.”
When our Hospice at Home nurses arrived, the atmosphere shifted immediately. “They had this steady, reassuring presence. They made Jo feel more comfortable and they made me feel like I wasn’t facing things alone.”
From that point on, our nurses returned regularly for night shifts over the next few days, offering the compassionate clinical support that allowed Jo to stay at home – something she was absolutely clear she wanted. We were there to offer warmth and sensitivity, adapting to whatever Jo and the family needed.
“They could chat about everyday things whilst caring for Jo, or they could quietly fade into the background,” Ian said. “They always knew what we needed and were able to read the room.”
Some nights, our roaming nurses arrived and cared for Jo so quietly and efficiently that Ian and Lisa didn’t even realise they had been.“It meant we could rest and catch up on some sleep, which made such a difference. They were warm, friendly, respectful and felt more like friends dropping in to help.”
Among Ian’s most treasured memories with Jo are the times they spent in the Lake District. After her diagnosis, they made the bold decision to buy a lodge there.
Ian said: “We spent the first week or so thinking, ‘What have we done?’, but it turned out to be one of the best things we ever did.” The lodge became their hideaway.
“When things got too much, and whenever we wanted, we could escape there – Jo even went wild swimming in the lake, which she loved.”
In the final days of Jo’s life, she remained at home, surrounded by the people and pets she loved most, made possible by her family and the community-based care around her.
Share article
