After a two year battle with cancer, Jonathon Wenborn died at the Heart of Kent Hospice in 2005 at the age of 27 years. Remembered by his friends and family as a keen football fan, an expert on wine and an avid fisherman, Jonathon’s death led to the birth of the Jonathon Wenborn Trust. The Trust, which was set up by his younger brother Gavin aims to help elderly, disabled and terminally ill people.
Mum Elaine said that the Hospice helped Jonathon and his family through the most painful time of their lives. ‘When Jonathon died, I was completely and utterly devastated. You think it only happens to other people – he really was very ill and was cared for so well at the Hospice. The staff were lovely and we were made to feel so welcome at any time. I practically lived at the Hospice for several weeks – he felt it was his second home.
‘The Hospice was so good to me afterwards. Staff continue to care for the family after someone has died and they help to make the whole, very painful journey, more bearable.’
Gavin recalls Jonathon’s 27th birthday in the Hospice – ‘staff at the Hospice gave us a second room and let us bring in our own drinks for a party to celebrate his birthday. Jonathon loved it here. He came for pain relief before he was admitted as an in-patient and he wanted to come back – however strange that sounds – because he felt so at home.’
