Richard Bassett tragically died aged 38 from a rare gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), but his wife Victoria says Queenscourt Hospice gave him the chance to see their daughter Amelia turn four. Speaking to the ECHO, Victoria described how her husband's condition improved after entering hospice care, enabling him to celebrate that milestone birthday just days before his death in November last year.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Richard was just 21 when he was rushed to hospital during a weekend in Dublin with a severe internal bleed. His girlfriend at the time, Victoria, was forced to call his parents with the troubling news. He recovered, but the course of both their lives changed forever when he was diagnosed with GIST, a rare form of cancer with no cure.
From the age of 25, Richard endured regular and often gruelling chemotherapy to prolong his life. The young family settled in Burscough, West Lancashire, where Richard worked as a lecturer at the University of Manchester. Despite his illness, he remained active, winning multiple awards for his work and pursuing his passions for cycling and skiing.
Queenscourt Hospice's Role
As Richard's condition deteriorated, he was admitted to Queenscourt Hospice in Southport. Victoria recalled that before entering the hospice, doctors found a massive bleed, but the medicine he received on a Friday allowed him to see his daughter's fourth birthday the following Tuesday. She said: "The mad thing is it costs more for the NHS to have him in a bed in hospital than it does to have him at Queenscourt and I believe he lived longer being in the care of the hospice."
Victoria added: "The hospice means so much, his daughter will have limited memories of her dad but she has that."
Petition for NHS Funding
Following Richard's death, Victoria launched a petition calling for more NHS funding for palliative care provided by hospices. She said: "Richard would have wanted me to do this, it's something he would have done." The petition is available to view and sign online.
Queenscourt Hospice, officially opened by Princess Diana in 1992, faces its toughest financial challenge. It has announced a reduction of its inpatient ward from 10 beds to five and is reducing core clinical services, including at-home shifts and outpatient therapy, as well as housekeeping and catering. A spokesperson said if no action is taken, Queenscourt could close within 18 months due to an annual deficit of £2 million.
Recovery Plan and Community Support
A recovery plan has been put in place, with key priorities including working with NHS partners for sustainable funding, strengthening fundraising, operating efficiently, and raising awareness of the hospice's impact. Sam Hawksley, Executive Director of Strategy & Business Development, said: "While changes have been very difficult, they were necessary to protect the future of Queenscourt. Our focus is now on recovery and ensuring that we can continue to provide specialist palliative care for local people with life-limiting illnesses, when they need us the most."
He added: "We are incredibly grateful for the support shown by our staff, volunteers, and the wider community during this challenging time. Donor support in response to our crisis has made a significant difference to our charity, helping us to start planning the way forward, so that Queenscourt care continues."
A Tribute to Richard
Victoria paid tribute to her husband, whom she met while studying for their master's degrees at the University of Birmingham. She said: "You could say I am biased, but he was incredible. He was so accomplished at everything he did, he was so kind and calm, he was my best friend in the whole world." She described him as a phenomenal skier and a wonderful father who loved his children deeply, even while undergoing treatment.
