Devoted dog Cody at Graham Liggett side at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice

Cody was at Graham Liggett side at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice

Devoted dog Cody was able to be at his master’s side at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice - thanks to the nursing team.

Former Failsworth joiner Graham Liggett was admitted to the Royton hospice with mesothelioma.

That meant wife Sue was making daily journeys up and down Broadway to make visits and return to care for their 13-year-old German Shepherd/Collie cross.

The nurses at Dr Kershaw’s suggested Sue brought Cody to be by Graham’s side and the dog was as good as gold.

Sue said: “I would never have thought of asking to take the dog to the hospice but when the nurses suggested the idea it meant I could stay overnight to be with Graham.

“The nursing staff have been fantastic.”

Cody got to exercise in the hospice gardens but was soon back at the bedside to support Graham.

Graham died at the weekend. He was 69.

He and Sue had been married for over 47 years and had two children and four grandchildren.

Failsworth-born, Graham served his time as a joiner with local firm H&E Hey before working for Manchester Direct Works, though it was here that he worked with asbestos that is later thought to have brought on cancer.

Adele Doherty, Clinical Matron at Dr Kershaw’s, said: “The nurses are always keen to do whatever we can to make our patients’ stay as comfortable as possible and that goes for helping family members as well.

“Cody was very friendly to all the doctors and nurses and his presence made Graham content and took the pressure of travelling off Sue.”