25 Mar 2026 Patient and Family Stories

“They gave me my dignity back”, Lesley’s story of care, compassion and strength with The Kirkwood

Lesley O’Neil’s life changed in an instant. In December 2025, what began as a hospital visit quickly turned into a life altering diagnosis of spinal cancer, followed by a rapid decline in her mobility that left her bedridden within weeks. With little warning and no prior symptoms, Lesley was suddenly faced with a reality she never expected.

But amid the shock and uncertainty, Lesley found something she hadn’t anticipated, comfort, dignity and compassion with The Kirkwood. First admitted just before Christmas, and returning again in March 2026, Lesley’s journey has been shaped not only by her diagnosis, but by the specialist care, support and sense of family she has experienced every day since.

When Lesley O’Neil was admitted to hospital in early December 2025, she had no idea how dramatically her life was about to change. On 3rd December, Lesley was taken to Pinderfields Hospital, where an MRI scan revealed lesions on her spine. She was diagnosed with secondary spinal cancer, a shock that came without warning.

Lesley said: “It came as a complete shock. I’d had no signs at all. I’d been going to the doctors for years and never imagined something like this was happening.”

Within weeks, her condition rapidly deteriorated: “Within a matter of weeks, everything changed. I started losing the use of my legs and then feeling in my body. Within two weeks I was numb from the chest down and collapsed whilst at hospital. I couldn’t do anything for myself at all.”

Following urgent radiotherapy in Leeds to relieve pressure on her spinal cord, Lesley was admitted to The Kirkwood in December 2025, where she would spend the next month receiving specialist care. By the time she arrived, Lesley was completely bedridden. But what she experienced with The Kirkwood was unlike anything she had known before.

Lesley added: “In hospital, you can feel like just another patient in a bed. But here, it’s completely different. It’s a total change. You’re not just a number, you’re a person, and you’re treated that way every single day. It genuinely feels like being part of a family. The kind of family that steps in and steps up when you need them most.”

The care she received not only supported her physically, but helped restore something even more important: “The biggest thing for me is that they’ve given me my dignity back. When you lose your independence, that’s one of the hardest things to deal with.”

After a month in the hospice, Lesley was able to return home, where a hospital bed and support equipment had been put in place. Being reunited with her partner Peter, who she has been with for 16 years, meant everything: “To be back with Peter and in my own space again, it was lovely. You really appreciate those moments.”

However, after developing a urinary infection and an undiagnosed chest infection, Lesley was readmitted to hospital before returning to The Kirkwood again in March 2026.

Now back under the hospice’s care, she has once again found comfort, support, and moments of independence she never thought possible: “I honestly never thought I’d be able to have a proper bath again. But here, I could. Being able to wash myself, feel my own legs again, and take care of my own body, that was an amazing feeling. It might sound like a small thing, but being able to do those things for yourself again gives you a sense of independence. It gives you a bit of control back, and that means everything.”

The Kirkwood care extends far beyond treatment. From specialist beds and accessible facilities to welcoming spaces for loved ones, every detail is designed with patients in mind. Lesley has been able to spend time outdoors in the hospice gardens and even welcome visits from her two cats, Vic and Bob: “The environment here is just beautiful. The gardens, the rooms, everything about it is designed to make you feel comfortable and at ease. I’ve even been able to get outside in my wheelchair and enjoy the sunshine.”

She also speaks warmly of the staff who support her every day: “Nothing is too much trouble for the staff here. Every single one of them goes above and beyond. They’re not just doing a job, they really care.”

Lesley spent Christmas 2025 with The Kirkwood during her first stay. While the festive season has not always been an easy time for her, the hospice created a warm and thoughtful environment for all patients: “There was so much happening, Santa, music, people visiting. Even though I kept my door shut, you could feel that something special was going on. Santa actually came round and knocked on my door and said, ‘Come on, let Santa in.’ I let him in and he gave me some lovely socks and chocolates, which was such a kind gesture.”

Despite her personal feelings around Christmas, she could still appreciate the effort made: “Even though Christmas isn’t really my thing, I could still see how much care had gone into it. Everything was there for people to enjoy.”

For Lesley, the care she receives doesn’t just support her, it also provides reassurance to Peter, who visits regularly with the help of friends and family: “It helps Peter as well. He knows I’m safe and looked after, and that takes a huge weight off his shoulders. Being here gives me peace of mind, and that peace of mind actually makes me feel healthier.”

Having experienced The Kirkwood’s care first-hand, Lesley is clear about the difference it makes, not just to individuals, but to the whole community: “This place is just as important as any doctor’s surgery, any school, any essential service. It plays a huge role. If this place wasn’t here, I honestly don’t know where I’d be. I don’t think I’d be as healthy as I am now. I'm in a bed called a cuddle bed and believe it or not this bed alone costs £20,000, however its made my time here so much easier. It's things like this that makes your stay here a huge difference.”

She is also passionate about encouraging others to support the hospice, having seen the impact it has every day: “Support The Kirkwood, make it a priority. They go above and beyond anything you could ever expect.”

Strength, positivity and hope Despite everything she has faced, Lesley remains remarkably positive: “I’ve always been a positive person, and I try to keep that mindset now. It’s important to find moments of light, even in difficult situations.”

It’s a mindset that continues to carry her through each day, supported by those around her and the care she receives with The Kirkwood.

If you've been touched by Lesley’s story please make a donation to our cause by clicking the link HERE and help us to continue to care for those people in Kirklees who are living with a life limiting illness.