Presenter James Whale, 74, has revealed that he’s “happy to go now” as he shares an update on his incurable cancer battle.
James, who appeared on Celebrity Big Brother back in 2016, has stage four kidney cancer. It has spread to his brain, spine and lungs.
Recently, he moved into a hospice. And, while he admits it has been scary for his pals, he is finding it “peaceful and tranquil” and he’s decided it’s where he wants to die.
James Whale ‘at peace’ as he moves into hospice
Writing in the Express, James admitted he’s in the “last weeks” of his life, and he’s at peace with that – largely thanks to the care he’s receiving.
He wrote: “We need to talk more about death. I’m in the last weeks of my life and it’s been a revelation. I don’t mean the feelings of sickness caused by my stage four kidney cancer and the powerful drugs I’m forced to take, or the sadness about leaving behind my family and friends. Those are both on my mind much of the time. But 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.”
James added: “I began to feel better immediately. More positive. I feel at peace here, even though I’m not a religious person. I know that 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.”
James also revealed that wife Nadine is able to bring his dogs in to see him.
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‘I want to die somewhere peaceful’
Speaking more about the hospice, James said he’s told his wife that he won’t be returning to hospital now.
“It’s so different here, the atmosphere is so special compared to a hospital. I have told Nadine, I won’t go back to the hospital. I want to die somewhere peaceful and tranquil and this is the place for me. There’s no better. I’m lucky to be here,” he added.
James also shared his final podcast recording over the weekend. He recorded it with Nadine in the hospice.
Signing off, he told his fans: “Thank you for being a listener. I hope it helps in some way and who knows what’s next, so I can only say au revoir.”
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