Neil's compassionate journey with Pendleside Hospice

By Pendleside Hospice

27 Feb 2024

Neil with Head of Corporate Fundraising, Elaine Middleton.jpg.jpg

Neil Welsh, a financial planner from Burnley, shares his personal and professional association with Pendleside Hospice.

In 2016, Pendleside introduced the Corporate Challenge, a four-month initiative whereby local businesses are challenged to raise funds for the Hospice. 

Nearly 70 businesses took part in 2023, and collectively they raised over £167,000. The grand total was announced at an annual awards evening in November, an occasion that celebrates the accomplishments of everyone involved.

Neil, who works at PM+M Solutions for Business LLP, has taken part in the Corporate Challenge every year since it launched, and is a strong advocate for the Hospice.

Neil started the Corporate Challenge just months before his father, Colin, passed away. However, the Hospice had already gained significance in his life when his gran received care there six years earlier.

Colin spent his last days at Pendleside, and Neil sought bereavement support from the Family Support team after his father died.

Neil shared: “In 2016, my dad received a diagnosis of bowel cancer after previously undergoing surgery and treatment for prostate cancer. Despite chemotherapy, his condition continued to deteriorate, leading to multiple hospital admissions, with his final one occurring on Christmas Eve. 

"Pendleside was the peaceful environment my father needed and by the 2nd January, my dad was transferred to the Hospice. Despite being told to prepare for his passing within 24-48 hours, my dad defied expectations and spent eight days at the Hospice. 

"I was by his side, from early morning until late afternoon, when my mother and sister would take over. Just ten minutes after returning home one evening, I received a call from my mother informing me of his passing."

In addition to grieving the loss of his dad, Neil was dealing with other challenges in both his work and personal life. From being fully focussed on attending appointments and being there for his parents, Neil suddenly found himself with more time.

Neil added: “I lacked purpose and motivation. As a lifelong Burnley FC supporter, I had cherished memories of attending matches at Turf Moor with my dad, and although I now go with my son, the absence of my dad's presence weighed heavily on me.“

Dealing with bereavement, as well as other pressures, Neil was feeling lost. The doctor prescribed him with anti-depressants and in parallel, it was suggested that he seek counselling. Neil already had a connection to Pendleside and knew that the Hospice would be a good place to start.

"When I got in that room during my first counselling session with Jeanette, it was like sitting in a comfy chair - I felt completely at ease. One thing I struggled to comprehend was that my dad hadn't wanted a 'bucket list', that there weren't things he wanted to do in his final months. Jeanette helped me to understand that this wasn't uncommon, and that people often don't want to leave this world feeling like they haven't fulfilled their life.”

Ever since his counselling, Neil has continued to advocate for the Hospice where possible. "A colleague of mine, and employee at PM+M, Faye Holden, also died at Pendleside after being diagnosed with cancer in 2020.” Neil said, “So for me and the organisation, we want to continue supporting Pendleside the best we can.”

Neil participated in the Great North Run in 2022, adding: "It marked my inaugural half marathon and by that point, I'd become a keen runner. My dad was a geordie and visiting Newcastle is a core memory of mine, so crossing the Tyne Bridge was very special. When I got halfway across the bridge, tears streamed down my face. It was an unforgettable moment."

Neil and the team at PM+M have been involved in many fundraisers, including collecting donations for Pendleside's retail shops, selling car raffle tickets, and most recently, sponsoring a Christmas Tree at the Light Up a Life event in December. The tree sponsorship was made in Faye Holden's memory.

The Corporate Challenge launches again in May this year and is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to raise money, boost team morale and network with peers. 

"I highly recommend other businesses getting involved in the Challenge," Neil said, "There may come a time when you need Pendleside’s support. I also urge anyone looking for bereavement support to get in touch with the Hospice. There is often a stigma around counselling, but having a therapist is like having a coach; their aim is to provide you with the tools and techniques you need, to better your mental wellbeing. It's okay to not be okay." 

Pendleside's Family Support Team can be contacted on 01282 440 100.

Latest news

1

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway Alan McBride Muse Will Town Defence Infrastructure Organisation Jennifer Chard Defence Business Services Cllr Lynn Williams Blackpool Council Garry Bowker Vinci

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway

20 May 2025

2

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities Skiddle cheque presentation to Alder Hey Hospital

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities

20 May 2025

3

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion The site

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion

19 May 2025

4

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing Oliver Webber, Tracy Clavell-Bate and Tim Webber from Barnfield Group with Cllr Phil Riley, second from right, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing

19 May 2025

5

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025 Mark Long

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025

19 May 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200pxtrident 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May
Freelancer Meet-Up May.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May

society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar

Cottons Hotel & Spa , Knutsford, WA16 0SU

16:00 - 18:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Liverpool Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-881365363-4862066883-1-original.20241023-085714.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
23 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

Liverpool Business Expo 2025

Aintree Racecourse , Liverpool , L9 5AS

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29
Artboard 15.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
29 May 2025 - 29 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin