A hospice in North Derbyshire has lifted the spirits of inpatient Bill McQuinn by re-uniting him with his beloved pet dog.

Holly, a Yorkshire Terrier cross with a Bichon Frise, was welcomed with open arms by everyone at Ashgate Hospicecare to visit her owner, Bill, on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit.

Bill, 74, has had an extraordinary life. His experiences range from working in a psychiatric hospital and owning his own building merchants to becoming a local councillor and being part of successful band, all while raising a family of three daughters with his wife.

However, things haven’t always been easy. Bill has lived with prostate cancer since being diagnosed at the age of 60. More recently, Bill received the sad news that the cancer had spread to his lower spine; this is where his journey began at Ashgate Hospicecare.

“When I came into the hospice I was very frightened,” said Bill. “A hospice to me has always meant end of life. However, it is nothing like that at all, nothing whatsoever. I feel very safe here. The staff at the hospice are fantastic. They have done absolutely everything for me.”

Even though Bill was settling in the hospice, he was still constantly worrying about his beloved dog Holly, who was being left at home whilst his wife made the hour long trip from Kettleshulme in the High Peak area of Derbyshire.

Bill said: “The first couple of days my wife left Holly at home. I was constantly worried about her and telling my wife to go home and let her out.”

Wilma Hulland, Hospice Matron at Ashgate Hospicecare, added, “For some patients, their pets are like a family member; therefore being able to see them is so important. Knowing that their pets are OK, means it is something less to worry about.”

Taking into account their patients’ needs, the staff at Ashgate suggested that Holly should be brought to the hospice to visit.

“When they said you could bring the dog, I couldn’t believe it,” said Bill. “Just stroking Holly gave me that bit of home comfort. To allow Holly to come to the hospice benefits me. I’ve got my home from home and I know she’s safe.”

“When I first got to the hospice I was constantly worried about Holly. Having this service means I don’t have to worry about that anymore and my wife can spend a lot more time with me. It’s fantastic”.