Hospice
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Mike and his wife Karen, 40, first moved to England in 2011. Having met at the University of Galway in 2006, the pair soon became inseparable.
Karen said, “It was love at first sight and we were inseparable. Everything clicked – we both loved music, good food and travel. It was perfect.”
On arriving, they felt instantly ‘at home’ and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the city, finding new favourite places and often wound up at ‘their spot’ – The Free Trade Inn, Ouseburn – a place Mike especially loved due to their selection of craft beers and IPAs.
Karen said, “Mike’s job was as an Environmental Conservationist with Natural England. He was passionate about the environment and sustainability. He loved nothing more than to be outside, in nature. He had truly found his vocation.”
In December 2019, Mike was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) and began chemotherapy on Christmas Day. Following three rounds of treatment, Mike was able to have a bone marrow transplant in March 2020, with his older brother as the donor.
After a year in recovery, Mike attended his one year check up in March 2021 and was given the devastating news that the cancer had returned. He was dealt a further blow in May when the diagnosis became terminal.
As his condition progressed, Mike came to St Oswald’s Hospice as an outpatient to receive blood transfusions. Karen remembers how comfortable and relaxed he felt during those sessions.
As Mike’s health deteriorated, Karen asked him if he would consider going to the Hospice to be more comfortable.
Karen explained, “Mike had expressed his wish to die at home but towards the end, it became more challenging to care for him.”
“The stairs were a struggle and despite his determination to remain independent, we both knew that going to the Hospice was the right thing to do.”
Mike was transferred from home to the Adult In-Patient Unit on August 3rd and after 48 hours, he died peacefully at the age of 35, with Karen by his side.
“That 48-hour period was a real gift to us, we were so well looked after. Mike was completely relaxed, and we spent time in the garden together, among nature, just as he wanted,” said Karen.
The care and support from all of the nursing staff and the doctors was wonderful, they were kind, warm and kept our spirits lifted despite how hard our situation was.”
Some of Mike’s ashes are buried back in his native Ireland, in Templenoe, a place held dear by the couple and the Crowley family.
“Templenoe is where Mike’s Granda Crowley was from, it’s where we got married in 2017 and now, it is ‘his place’. Mike often said that he never wanted to be forgotten and his final resting place is beautiful.
You can see the mountains and look over into the bay. It’s exactly the sort of place he would have stopped to have his sandwiches and flask of tea, soaking up the views.”
In true testament to Mike and his passion for the environment, and love of his homeland, the headstone Karen chose is made from Valentia Slate – native to County Kerry, with a rich history. It features an engraving in Ogham, an ancient Irish language, and a ‘Triforce’ logo in a nod to Mike’s love of video games.
Since Mike’s death, Karen has attended Light up a Life with Mike’s parents – Jennifer and Tomas – by her side. Together, they remember Mike and dedicate a light on the tree in his memory.
Karen added, “In our time of need, St Oswald’s Hospice was here for us. By coming to the Hospice, I was able to be Mike’s wife and not his carer during those final days.
That meant such a lot to me, and to Mike. St Oswald’s gave us that and I don’t think I can ever repay them.”
Learn more about Light up a Life here.
To find out more about this year’s event, please visit Light Up a Life Celebration Event.
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