Josh Healey, 30, from Burnley, has always had a flair for creativity and a vivid imagination. From a young age, he dreamt of becoming a games designer.
His passion for imaginative play led him to study Art and Design at Nelson and Colne College, where he nurtured his skills before heading to the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). It was there that Josh honed his craft, earning a BA (Hons) degree in Games Design. However, upon graduating at 21, Josh quickly realised how competitive and niche the gaming industry could be. But he wasn’t one to shy away from a challenge.
Determined to make a living and keep busy, Josh took on various jobs, including a stint as a delivery driver. It was during this time that his uncle suggested a completely new path—HGV driving. Josh hadn’t considered this line of work before, but something inside him sparked at the idea. He decided to go for it and obtained his HGV licence, which soon led to a job at Eddie Stobart. Josh thrived in his new role, staying with the company for over four years.
“The hours were long, but I really enjoyed it,” Josh recalled. “I’d often drive from London to Scotland, and I loved being on the road. For me, it was an adventure. Spending long hours driving gave me a lot of time to myself, and I really valued that freedom.”
After his time at Eddie Stobart, Josh moved on to a new job as an HGV driver for Fagan & Whalley. Things were going well until, just three days before the end of his six-month probation period, Josh experienced a pain that would change his life forever.
“One bank holiday weekend, I started feeling discomfort in my stomach while at work. The pain was intense, so I pulled over to rest for an hour, hoping it would pass,” Josh explained. “But it didn’t. I ended up heading home, still in pain.” After a few days, Josh sought help at an Urgent Care centre, but he was told that it could be inflammation and was sent home. “Prior to that, I’d been to my GP several times with similar symptoms, and I even questioned whether it could be something more serious. But because of my age, they said it was highly unlikely.”
Unfortunately, the pain persisted, and weeks later, Josh’s condition worsened significantly. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered that his intestines were completely blocked. After a series of CT scans and an emergency operation, the devastating diagnosis came: Josh had cancer. He was just 27 at the time.
“My dad was with me when I found out,” Josh said. “It was really hard to see him so upset.”
In the months that followed, Josh underwent a series of life-changing surgeries. His entire colon was removed, and just seven days after that operation, doctors found that cancer had spread to his liver. A portion of the right side of his liver was removed a couple of months later. But the battle wasn’t over. CT scans revealed that cancer had also spread to his kidney.
Josh was referred to Christie’s Hospital in Manchester, where he began targeted radiotherapy. “The treatment went on for nine months, and it kept me going,” Josh said. “I always try to be logical about things, and not getting too emotional helped me process everything. I took in everything the doctors and nurses were telling me.”
However, soon after, cancer returned to his liver, and Josh began chemotherapy. Another operation was scheduled to remove part of his kidney, but this procedure was particularly dangerous. Josh’s health was declining—he was losing weight, and despite his best efforts, the medication wasn’t alleviating his pain.
That’s when Josh’s mum made the decision to call Pendleside Hospice. She made a referral on his behalf, and from the moment Josh arrived, everything changed.
“Within the first 20 minutes of being on the Inpatient Unit, the nurses got my medication under control, and the pain was gone,” Josh shared. “It was such a wonderful feeling.”
After some time at Pendleside, Josh left briefly to attend a scan at the hospital. What was initially supposed to be a quick appointment turned into a nine-day stay. That experience underscored just how special Pendleside was to Josh. “I’ve formed some great relationships with the staff,” he said. “Sophie has a really good attitude, and we chat about gaming. Richard, without fail, will come to see me while on shift, and we’ve built some epic Lego creations together! It’s these small, personal moments that have made my time at the Hospice so positive. I don’t like asking for too much from the staff, but what I’ve experienced here is real, genuine care. The nurses are not only taking care of me physically, but mentally too. I also love going in the jacuzzi! This really helps me to relax.”
Josh admitted that he was initially apprehensive about coming to the Hospice. “I was scared and unsure when the idea of Pendleside first came up,” he said. “But now, my perception of what a hospice is has completely changed. I’ve had some fantastic moments here. They’ve made sure I have everything I could possibly want, and to have my family visit whenever they like is such a blessing.”
When asked what advice he’d give to others in similar situations, Josh’s message is clear: “Explore all options. If you’re young like me, don’t let assumptions about your age hold you back. If you suspect something is wrong—whether it’s cancer or another serious illness—make sure your voice is heard.”
Last month, Josh mentioned how much he missed driving and wished to get back behind the wheel of an HGV. After a quick call to one of the Hospice’s long-standing supporters and Josh’s former employer, Fagan & Whalley, his dream soon became a reality. Laura Fagan and Compliance Manager, Martyn Richardson, worked with the Hospice to organise a surprise for Josh. His mum and dad were in on the plan, and when an HGV pulled up outside Pendleside’s doors, Josh was stunned.
Josh climbed into the truck and went for a ride, reliving those moments of freedom on the road. Laura Fagan expressed her admiration for the Hospice, saying, “Everyone at Pendleside is incredible, and it was wonderful to see Josh getting the love and support he needed. It’s moments like this that make you step back and appreciate what the Hospice does day in and day out.”
Inpatient Unit and Hospice at Home Manager, Alison Sutcliffe, who helped organise the visit with Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Alice Thompson, added, “Josh was over the moon when he saw the truck. When we got back to his room, he said that if these were his last days, he couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
Josh passed away peacefully at the Hospice on Monday, 16th September, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones. Josh was eager to share his journey and hopes that by sharing his story, others will feel encouraged to advocate for their own health and seek out the incredible support available through Pendleside.
We’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at Pendleside, to say thank you to Josh and for being an inspiration to all of us. His strength, determination, and positivity were a testament to the values of care, compassion, and support that the Hospice strives to uphold every day.
Referrals to Pendleside don’t always need to come through a healthcare professional. Self-referrals and referrals made by others on your behalf are always welcome. To make a referral, give us a call on 01282 440 100 or email: [email protected].