BARNSLEY Hospice has given a local man a new lease of life.

Former bus driver Keith Howson, who lives in Athersley, has been living with prostate cancer for the past six years.

He was recently admitted to Barnsley Hospice’s inpatient unit after suffering unbearable pain.

Previously, Keith was in and out of hospital and was given painkillers before being sent home, seeing no clear end to his pain.

The hospice has since turned Keith’s life around, allowing him to return home.

He said: “I was told I was going to be referred to Barnsley Hospice and I thought: ‘Am I ready for Barnsley Hospice?’

“The community nurse explained that it was nothing like what you think.

“I came in here because I hadn’t eaten for four days.

“I felt like curling up in a ball and not waking up, I was in that much pain.

“I came here and within two days I’d picked up and started eating.

Having gotten his symptoms and pain under control, Keith returned home after a three-week stay on the ward.

Keith’s misconceptions about hospice care were cleared up, but he has always been aware of the hospice’s important in the community.

He even fundraised for the hospice in the 1990s, where his team painted a bus, did a bus wash ride an ultimately raised £400.

Keith has praised the hospice’s dedicated staff, for making his stay a comfortable experience.

He added: “This is not a hospice, this is a five-star hotel, in my opinion.

“The staff are always smiling.”