
Man to sell his 4,000 books in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice
Mr McCann took on a short-term role in the Aylesford hospice's finance department after retiring as an accountant but is now a patient receiving care at the hospice.He said he would like to see the shop become a community space where people can come to browse, shop and read. He will be opening the shop regularly, around his chemotherapy treatments and dog walking, for as long as he stays well and able to do so.
'I feel surprisingly good'
"Having worked at the hospice, I thought I understood it, but becoming a patient showed me just how special it truly is," he said."It's not just a place where people go to die, it's full of life, warmth, and support. "Despite chemo, a collapsed lung, and ongoing treatment, I feel surprisingly good. "Exercise has been key - I even ran the Hospice Maidstone Road Run 5k during chemo, though my doctor wasn't thrilled."
Rachel Street, chief executive of Heart of Kent Hospice, opened the shop alongside the Mayor of Maidstone, councillor John Perry.Ms Street said: "We are so delighted that Rob has decided to open Capelli's Books to sell the books he has accumulated over his lifetime."Come along and see his eclectic variety of books on display, and maybe even enjoy a catch up over a cup of tea or coffee."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Terminally ill James Whale, 74, says he's 'happy to go now and feels at peace' after moving to hospice amid kidney cancer battle - as he makes one final selfless kind act
James Whale has revealed he's 'happy to go now and feels at peace' after moving into a hospice amid his terminal cancer battle in his newspaper column on Monday. The legendary DJ and radio presenter, 74, was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in February 2020, which sadly later spread to his spine, brain and lungs. Last month, James revealed he had moved into a nearby hospice in a health update as medics told him he had just weeks to live, while his wife Nadine remains by his side. Now, in a column for the Daily Express, Whale has revealed he's in a 'positive' headspace as he praised the doctors and nurses at The Heart of Kent Hospice. He explained: 'What's surprised me most is how much better in myself I feel since finally moving into a hospice near my home in Kent a week or so back. 'I began to feel better immediately. More positive. I feel at peace here, even though I'm not a religious person. 'I know I've reached the end of my life but I'm quite sanguine about it. Despite everything, I'm happy to go now and a lot of that is due to the people who work here, because they make dying as peaceful and pain-free as possible.' While urging people to 'take death seriously', James said it's important to discuss your wishes with our loved ones before it's too late or becoming seriously ill. In one final selfless act, James urged his fans to support the hospice as he shared the sheer cost of running the facility. He revealed it cost a staggering £7.4million last year, in which 80% of the money was obtained through fundraising alone. James said they need £12billion more to build a new hospice. Praising the staff, James shared an insight into the day-to-day care for patients, revealing they even pass around cocktails and mocktails, as well as running themed events and allowing family pets in for visits. Previously speaking on an episode of his podcast, Tales Of The Whales, James explained how his health has dramatically declined as he admitted he is struggling to breath, talk, think and hear. James said: 'I can't breathe, I can't think, I can't talk. 'Anyway. Good morning. Welcome to Tales of the Whales, our weekly podcast. I have terminal 5 cancer. Can you get 5?' Last month, heartbreaking pictures emerged of James giving the 'most compelling' interview of his career. James filmed the interview with Nigel Farage as a TalkTV producer shared snaps ahead of it being released. In the images James looked frail amid his illness and had a yellow blanket over his knees. He penned on X: 'After 50 years in broadcasting, Whaley delivers one of the most compelling and profound conversations of his career. 'A masterclass in asking the right questions. @THEJamesWhale @Nigel_Farage @MitchellCMM.' Under another image of the interview set up he wrote: 'Filming Whaley's last interview with Nigel Farage. The bravest man I know. A legend and a friend.' James, who presented his own show on TalkTV, also took part in Celebrity Big Brother in 2016 on Channel 5. He married his wife Nadine Lamont-Brown in 2021, with Nadine saying they didn't have the 'luxury' of time. The wedding came 14 months after the radio host revealed that he is battling spine, brain and kidney cancer, and three years after his first wife Melinda died. Melinda tragically died in May 2018 just months after she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. James and Melinda were married for 48 years and had two sons James and Peter. They also have two teenage grandchildren, Oscar and Ella.


BBC News
20-07-2025
- BBC News
Jersey Hospice 'in a much stronger financial position'
The retiring chief executive of Jersey Hospice says the charity is "in a much stronger financial position" as he leaves the Palfreman is stepping down from the role after four years in charge of the coming to the island he held chief executive roles at Age Concern in the London Borough of Havering and 10 years at Haven House Children's Hospice in North East Palfreman joined Jersey Hospice as it recovered from the pressures of the Covid pandemic which affected its services and fundraising as well as helping to set up the island's first adult end-of-life care strategy. The strategy saw Health and Care agree to cover 43% of Jersey Hospice's operating costs while also retaining its independence from States Palferman said it is "a much better financial support deal" and the "hospice's financial future is secure we're still delivering amazing services".He added: "When I first came to Jersey and told a taxi driver what I was doing, I was struck from that moment on as to how much the island and islanders love and respect hospice."Rachel Street has been hired to new the new chief executive of Jersey Hospice and she joins after leading Heart of Kent Hospice in Maidstone for four years.


BBC News
19-07-2025
- BBC News
New chief executive takes over at Jersey hospice
A new chief executive has taken over at Jersey's only hospice following a Street said she was excited to be joining the team at Jersey Hospice Care after Mike Palfreman stepped down from the role after four Street had previously been chief executive at Heart of Kent Hospice since 2021 and said it was a "great privilege" to be given the job in Mont Cochon-based charity thanked Mr Palfreman in its annual report - which was published earlier this week - saying he led the team through the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and to "more solid financial stability". Ms Street said: "Jersey Hospice Care has a very special place in the hearts of islanders. "I am looking forward to supporting the team in continuing their great work in making sure everyone living with a life-limiting condition, and their loved ones, are well supported and cared for."In its annual report, the charity said 850 islanders received care during added £1.1m was raised through its charity shop sales and 330 volunteers had contributed 26,337 hours throughout the year.