IT is hard to comprehend the emotions Peter Blackmore must have felt as he was wheeled into Sobell House, knowing the journey would likely be his last.

The grandfather-of-four made the short trip across the car park from the Churchill Hospital, after being told by doctors that he may not survive cancer surgery.

His son Mark Blackmore said: "He packed up his stuff and was wheeled over to his last place. I can't imagine what that must've been like for him - from being a patient considering the risks of surgery, to going to Sobell where you know that's your last journey."

The end-of-life care specialists in Headington looked after 72-year-old Mr Blackmore in his final weeks, helping him cope with cancer that threatened to drain his quality of life.

The retired Didcot Power Station worker, who spent much of his career on the plant as a charge engineer, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in summer 2015 and struggled to complete chemotherapy.

Proud Welshman and keen golfer Mr Blackmore lived with his wife Lynfa in Grove and doted on his four grandchildren.

Despite an operation to remove the cancer, it spread last year to his liver and kidneys until he was taken to Sobell in mid-November.

Father-of-two Mark Blackmore said the hospice helped to 'take the pressure away' from family members, who may have struggled to deliver the care needed to keep him comfortable.

The Worcestershire resident said: "It's a caring environment. They actively encouraged him to have a glass of wine and try to relax. They sat us down and just explained the end of life process. They directly told us what we needed to know - to explain what on earth was going on."

The 43-year-old said staff heard his dad enjoyed playing the guitar, and brought the instrument to his room in case he felt able to play.

He said he was grateful he had the chance to say goodbye before his dad's death on December 13, adding: "It was great to have that opportunity to have conversations. Some people don't; if someone dies in a car crash you don't get time to talk about the good memories."

He said he immediately felt he had to 'give something back' to the hospice, hence why he and his brother Jonathan took part in Sobell's Winter Walk at Blenheim Palace last month.

Grove Rugby Club is also fundraising for Sobell in memory of Mr Blackmore, who was an avid member, and family members hope to take part in the 7km run at Blenheim in May.

Mr Blackmore added: "It's taken for granted that he was given the chance to go to Sobell. We are trying to contribute so that somebody else can benefit."