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Pete was born and grew up in Watford, Hertfordshire. He moved to Bedfordshire 35 years ago and currently lives in Dunstable. Heā€™s a family man with four children and five grandchildren.

For the last 30 years, Pete has worked at the Vauxhall plant in Luton, taking on various roles: he started in the body shop, then transferred into planning and is currently working at the plant in a safety-related role, looking at the interaction between pedestrians, mobile work equipment and vehicles on site.

Pete volunteered for this trustee role ā€œto give something backā€ after his father, who had prostate cancer, received care from the hospice in September 2016. Pete himself attended Keech Hospice Careā€™s carer support group. He found the help and advice invaluable and admits he isnā€™t sure how he would have gotten through what was a tough time without it.

Pete has also faced his cancer journey. In April 2011, he was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx. Although he had no contact with Keech during his treatment and recovery, Pete attended other patient support groups and workshops and took advantage of alternative therapies. He also participated in a research project looking at the positive effects of exercise during recovery. He was given the ā€˜all clearā€™ in August 2016.

After going through treatment himself and also meeting many people in the same situation during his recovery, Pete understands the physical and psychological impact of cancer as well as the importance of the support Keech Hospice Care provides.

Pete now loves to spend time with his grandchildren, admitting that they are one of the nicest things about growing old! To help him keep up with them and stay fit, Pete is also an enthusiastic regular at the gym.