The wife of a man who was diagnosed with lung cancer has described the Oxford hospice where he received care as being "like one big home filled with all your favourite family".

Richard and his wife Shona had been married since November 1984, after a childhood friendship blossomed into romance.

However, after waking up with a sore throat one morning, Richard made several trips to the doctors.

Richard and Shona married in 1984Richard and Shona married in 1984 (Image: Sobell House Hospice)

After being sent for an investigation, he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Shona said it was a "devastating blow for our family" as her father had passed away from the same disease the previous year.

Despite initial optimism due to Richard's relatively young age, 56, his health deteriorated and he developed a tumour on his spine.

Richard went to Sobell House Hospice for pain management, but Shona said "we received so much more than that" as she moved into the hospice to be with her husband.

She continued: "From day one we were treated with the utmost dignity and respect.

"We were always kept informed of every treatment Richard should expect to receive."

Richard's initial management plan was for one to two weeks, but Shona said "it became evident that he would be in for the long haul".

Richard and ShonaRichard and Shona (Image: Sobell House Hospice)

The staff were "exceptional, kind, considerate and incredibly friendly", she said, and after only a few days they ordered a 'cuddle bed' for the couple to share.

The couple, parents to four daughters and grandparents to 14, were given a "beautiful big room" which was "perfect" for their family's visits.

Richard enjoyed the gardens at Sobell House, with Shona often wheeling his bed to the open doors so he could soak up the sun.

She said it "became our sanctuary – a place to gather our thoughts and meet other patients".

She added: "The hospice had the most wonderful atmosphere, it wasn’t at all what we imagined or gloomy in any way. It felt like one big home filled with all your favourite family."

Richard and his daughter KylieRichard and his daughter Kylie (Image: Sobell House Hospice)

As Richard's health deteriorated, he was briefly moved to John Radcliffe Hospital, but Sobell House kept his room available before welcoming him and Shona back.

However Richard passed away after his battle with lung cancer at the age of 56.

Following his death, Anastasia, one of the carers, comforted Shona, while her children and grandchildren came to say goodbye.

She added: "Richard didn’t want to go into Sobell House initially through fear, but they were absolutely everything we never knew we needed and more.

"As a family we will never be able to thank the staff enough for all they did, for all of us."