Elliott Newhouse, 30, from Blackburn, came to East Lancashire Hospice after months of complex hospital treatment for an aggressive tumour that had grown from his nose into his brain. After three major surgeries, intensive care, and chemotherapy, Elliott and his family needed a place where he could receive safe, consistent care, and where they could all feel supported.
A true people-person, Elliott was the kind of man who filled every room he walked into. His fiancée, his friends and family describe Elliott as a social butterfly, a joker, and someone who loved football and spending time with his loved ones. He was happiest surrounded by people, sharing a laugh, enjoying good food and making memories.
In May 2025, Elliott became unwell with what was first thought to be sinusitis. After months of feeling worse, he went to hospital in August, where scans revealed a tumour in his nose that had eroded into his skull and pushed into his brain. A tumour that had grown rapidly since a clear CT scan just months earlier.
During his time in hospital, Elliott became critically unwell and required intensive treatment. Over several days, he underwent major surgery and later received chemotherapy. Despite being told he would never walk, speak or regain his independence, Elliott defied every expectation and slowly began to recover.
From the moment Elliott arrived at the Inpatient Unit at East Lancashire Hospice in December 2025, the team focused on understanding him as a person; his humour, his communication style, and what made him feel comfortable. His family said the Hospice was the first place where staff truly took the time to get to know him, anticipate his needs, and speak to him in a way that helped him feel like himself again. His family shared that “ his room and the whole setting felt less clinical with all the home comforts, and he loved chatting with Sylvia, the volunteer.”
Georgie, Elliott’s fiancée, recalled some special memories from their time at the Hospice, particularly when they sat in the lounge area with their daughter, Orla (4), with hot chocolates, laughing and playing Shrek. Another thoughtful gesture during Elliott’s care was when Cafe Retreat Chef Kevin prepared Christmas dinner for Elliott and his mum, Gayle, in a way Elliott could enjoy. This was very special to them both as Elliott always took his mum out for Christmas dinner. On a few occasions, the nurses went above and beyond to make sure that Elliott could access the Liverpool games and watch them together with his dad, Gary, which was important to them both.
Elliott felt he was given time and understanding by the Hospice team. Georgie shared, “They were never too busy for us, no request was too big, and the whole team made Elliott and us as a family feel valued and cared for. Elliott was completely doted on. He faced some struggles with eating, but the Hospice catered to his needs and were able to create meals he was desperately craving in a way that he could manage. He was treated more like a person rather than a patient; he could be his whole self, which helped him feel better, and it showed in his personality and humour coming back.”
Elliott also took part in our Physiotherapy Service, used our Bathing Service, and Complementary Therapy, as well as Counselling.
After 12 days of care, Elliott returned home on 23rd December with the right equipment and support in place. The Hospice worked closely with Occupational Health teams to get Elliott home safely, with visits from our Clinical Nurse Specialists during his stay at home. He was determined to sleep in his own bed, walk around the estate, help make Christmas dinner, and enjoy game nights with friends; moments his family treasure. When Elliott deteriorated after experiencing a fall, our Clinical Nurse Specialists spoke with Elliott and helped him decide to return. During this stay, the family were able to use the overnight family room, which gave them a home from home and enabled them to be by Elliott’s side throughout, something that was important to Elliott as well as his family.
Sadly, Elliott died on the 18th of January 2026, the morning of the East Lancashire Hospice 10k and 2k race event. His family continued to take part in the event that day to honour him. His friends and family also took part in the Ribble Valley Pub Walk, and hope to make it an annual event in memory of Elliott.
The family shares that their experience was “better than we had anticipated, given the devastating circumstances. Each member of staff is attentive, supportive and generous. They made themselves available whenever we needed them and felt like a friend to Elliott through familiarity and unwavering compassion. They are truly a team of incredibly special people.” They learned that hospice care includes pain management, therapy, emotional support, and giving patients and their friends and families quality time together. It is not just about end of life, but about the quality of life.
Georgie’s advice to anyone unsure about hospice care is:
“Don’t give it a second thought. It is a very special place that does so much for patients and their friends and families during challenging times, and their attention to detail is second to none. We will all be forever grateful to every member of the Hospice team for their kindness, care and empathy during Elliott’s time there.”
If you’d like to support care for local patients and their friends and families, you can learn more here.
