Hugh James recovers costs for hospice that provided essential end-of-life care to mesothelioma sufferer

Our specialist Asbestos team recently recovered £15,500 in costs for Queenscourt Hospice, a charity that provides end of life support and care for people living in the West Lancashire, Southport and Formby areas.

These funds cover non-NHS expenses incurred while providing end-of-life care to Mr Phillip Pennington of Formby, who sadly died from mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure.

Image caption: (Left to right) Louise Charnock (Clinical Services Director), Rachel Pennington, Diane Woodward (Phill’s sister and Queenscourt Hospice Nurse) and Debbie Pierce Lawson (Corporate Services Director).

After Phillip, a former joiner, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, he enlisted the help of Phoebe Osborne, a lawyer specialising in asbestos-related diseases, to investigate the source of his illness. Phillip’s legal team secured private medical treatment at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, allowing him access to immunotherapy unavailable through the NHS.

Although Phillip passed away before his case was fully resolved, his legal team negotiated a final settlement from his former employer.

Phillip received end of life care at Queenscourt Hospice, where the compassionate staff enabled his wife Rachel, children, and grandchildren to visit daily, providing much-needed support. Even their spaniel was allowed to visit, offering Phillip comfort and familiarity. Rachel, a dedicated supporter of Queenscourt Hospice, continues to raise funds for the organisation.

Phoebe said:

“Although Phillip did not live to see the successful conclusion of his case, the interim payment and private medical treatment gave him precious time with his family, including meeting his granddaughter, born just weeks before his passing. His premature death underscores the enduring dangers of asbestos, and the responsibility employers have to protect their workers.

“Phillip’s end-of-life care was a difficult period for his loved ones, and the hospice’s role was invaluable. Securing these funds not only honours Phillip’s memory but ensures Queenscourt hospice can continue vital services to support families during such trying times.”

Rachel Pennington said:

“I’m so grateful to Phoebe for all the support she gave Phill and I during the worst times of our life but also for being able to recover the money for Queenscourt Hospice. Without the hospice, Phill’s end of life could have been so different and everything they did was respectful of his needs, to the very end. Phill was very anxious about going into the hospice but once he was there it was him who made the decision to stay as he felt safe and supported. The care they gave him allowed his pain to be effectively managed and for us to cherish our last weeks together, and for this I will be eternally grateful.”

Debra Pierce-Lawson, Corporate Services Director at Queenscourt Hospice added:

“We’re delighted to accept this very generous gift in memory of Phillip Pennington. As a small local charity with a big reach, Queenscourt relies on the generosity of our wider community so that we can continue to provide exceptional compassionate care for our patients and their loved ones. This gift, enabled by Phillip’s wife Rachel, will make all the difference to us.”