Clive's Story

“It’s a chance to relax for a little while, to not think about what is happening and to be away from the isolation at home...”

When Clive was fitted with a pacemaker at aged just 54, his whole way of life was set to change. Having spent much of his career as a Game Keeper, he was usually found outside, managing the game across 4000 acres of land in Ludlow.



“I loved my job, being outdoors in the fresh air with the birds and my four dogs was a wonderful way to spend my career. But when I passed out at work one day, I had to undergo a number of tests and try a range of medications, until eventually after an ECG by my GP, I was fitted with a pacemaker with a defib attached”.

4 days after returning home, Clive had an Atrial Fibrillation episode which saw the pacemaker engage 18 times in 2 hours. “The pacemaker didn’t know what to do so I ended having the settings altered so it will only go off in the event of a severe episode”.

The Impact of Diagnosis

Clive eventually received a diagnosis of heart failure in that he has oxygen in his blood, but his heart isn’t strong enough to carry it around his body. Doctors initially looked at options such as a heart transplant, but sadly, as a result of a further diagnosis of an aortic aneurysm, it was determined that he would not be strong enough to make it through the operations he needed. Around Christmas 2021 aged just 56, Clive was told that he should consider hospice/palliative care.

“I spent all of Christmas thinking about what the Doctors had told me. It was a very difficult time. I had a perception of a hospice being a sad and depressing place so was quite daunted by the thought of attending, but at this point, I felt as though I had nothing left. Because of my condition and the covid pandemic, I had become a recluse, I never left the house”.

A Warm Welcome at The Hospice

Clive was referred to KEMP Hospice by his heart failure Nurse and after a KEMP nurse carried out a home visit, they agreed a plan of action which would see Clive begin attending Day Hospice.

“I was initially quite anxious, but the staff at KEMP have been so welcoming and supportive, I cannot praise them highly enough, they make it easy to come in and being here gives me a chance to relax and take my mind off everything for just a little while”.

“It’s a chance to relax for a little while, to not think about what is happening and to be away from the isolation at home…”

Since starting to visit KEMP Day Hospice, Clive has taken part in several activities and has found that being here has given him a new sense of hope and a safe space to smile again. 

“I initially came in on a Wednesday and enjoyed the creative therapy session each week. I’ve always enjoyed art but what I love the most is that there is no pressure. If you don’t want to join an activity and just want to sit in the company of everyone, you can. I was invited to start coming in on a Monday for just that, to relax and enjoy the general chat with others. I’m also coming in on a Tuesday too for the breathlessness course and I really enjoy the exercise class with Kim but again, I never feel under any pressure to join in if I don’t want to”.

Support From the Whole Team

“Another wonderful thing about coming to KEMP is that I have been able to access support from other professionals to help sort everything out for me. I’ve had welfare advice regarding my will, I’ve also been supported in completing a Respect form and I’ve also had aids fitted at my home. Staff at the Hospice have made all this happen. If I have asked about something or they have identified something that would help me, they’ve done everything they can to make it happen.”



Though Clive is still coming to terms with his diagnosis, he is determined to set himself small goals to work towards. “I only live 5 minutes from KEMP, so my goal is to use my mobility scooter to make my own way here instead of using taxi’s. I’m still anxious about being out on my own, but I have a renewed hope, and all I can say is that I’m glad KEMP found me”.