Former Everton goalkeeper Dai Davies has hailed the brilliant physio team which has helped him back on his feet after being hospitalised for ten weeks.
The ex-Wales international was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer earlier this year and was transferred from the Royal Liverpool Hospital to Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham in August.
The move meant that the 72-year-old could begin palliative care and rehabilitation after rejecting chemotherapy treatment, and he has now been pictured back on his feet as he returns for weekly physio sessions.
Davies, who spent seven years with the Blues, said: "Coincidentally my consultant Dr Grace Ting at the Royal Liverpool knew about Nightingale House as she’d done a placement here during the early part of her career.
"She decided it would be the best move for me and my family and she was right. It was close to home and their visiting policy meant such a difference as I was able to see my wife and family.
"I hadn’t been on my feet for ten weeks as I’d been lying down in hospital looking out of the window at a concrete wall. When I came to Nightingale House the brilliant physio team had me up and about very quickly. I’m no stranger to gyms but their powers of observation are excellent, as they will tell me when I’ve done enough for one session.
"There is such an air of peace and calm around the hospice and you can leave your worries behind you when you step inside. It was wonderful that I was able to have the option to come here as the choice gave me back control of my treatment.”
"There is such team work here - it is as if everybody working here is born to do the job; like their calling. Nightingale House is above and beyond what we expected, with exceptional food, facilities and gardens.
"I would say to anyone who is reading of my experience in the hospice that if you find solace in this then please do reach out to the team in Nightingale House. There is pure unconditional love here that will take away any fear that you may have."
The 72-year-old played for Everton for seven seasons after joining the then-champions in 1970, making 82 league appearances during his spell.
Carmarthenshire-born Davies also played for Wrexham, Swansea City and Tranmere Rovers before retiring from football in 1986.
