A Burnley man, who recently died after a cancer battle, praised the work of a hospice that allowed him to ride in a HGV before his death.

Josh Healey, 30, died on Monday, September 16, after a three-year battle with cancer .

Before his death, Josh praised the work of Pendleside Hospice, where he spent some time receiving support and treatment.

He thrived as a HGV driver, starting his career working for company Eddie Stobart.

"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."

Josh started noticing stomach pain while working as an HGV driver for Fagan and 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.

He said: “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 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.

Josh Healey, 30, praised the work of a hospice that allowed him to ride a HGV before his death Josh Healey, 30, praised the work of a hospice that allowed him to ride a HGV before his death (Image: Pendleside Hospice)

He said: “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.”

Weeks later, Josh’s condition worsened significantly. He went hospital, where doctors discovered that his intestines were completely blocked.

After a series of CT scans and an emergency operation, Josh was told he had cancer. He was just 27 years old 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.  CT scans revealed the 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.”

Soon after, the cancer returned to his liver and Josh began chemotherapy. Another operation was scheduled to remove part of his kidney.

Josh’s health was declining and he was losing weight. The medication wasn’t alleviating his pain.

That’s when Josh’s mum made the decision to call Pendleside Hospice.

“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.”

“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 -  and his dream soon became a reality.

Fagan & Whalley’s 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 said: “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, said: “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.”

A spokesperson for Pendleside Hospice said: “Josh died on Monday 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: pendlesidehosp.referrals@nhs.net.”