“It meant everything to us. Dad was where he wanted to be.”

Ironwoman, Britain’s Fittest Farmer and proud daughter, Emily Meakin shares how the care she and her dad received inspired her to keep building his dream.

For four generations, Far Coley Farm has been at the heart of the Meakin family. It’s where John grew up, raised his family, and spent his final months surrounded by the people and land he loved most.

When John was diagnosed with cancer, Emily and her sister Isobelle were determined to help him stay at home for as long as possible. With support from us, that wish became a reality.

Help to stay at home

“Katharine House Hospice helped us in so many ways,” Emily remembers.

“Dad was able to have a hospital bed next to the Aga in the farmhouse, where it was warm, cosy and full of visitors. The nurses helped with medication and explained everything clearly. Hospice at Home carers even stayed overnight so I could get some rest, which was amazing.”

Those months at home are memories Emily treasures deeply.

“It meant everything to us. Dad was where he wanted to be.”

Support for the whole family

During John’s illness, and after he died, our Family Support team helped Emily and Isobelle come to terms with his diagnosis and their grief.

In time, Emily channelled that love and loss into determination, keeping her dad’s legacy alive in the place he loved most.

Building his dream

Today, Emily is transforming the farm into a luxury wedding and events venue, including idyllic lakes her dad dug himself.

“Every development here is part of Dad’s dream,” she says. “I still wear his gilet and drive his Manitou – it keeps him close.”

Giving back in his memory

Emily and Isobelle have also brought people together to celebrate John’s life and raise funds for hospice care – from a tractor run through the countryside to a summer soirée at the farm.

“They cared for Dad with such kindness,” Emily says. “It means a lot to give something back whenever I can.”

Moving forward with strength

Recently crowned Britain’s Fittest Farmer in the Women Under 40 category, Emily uses her platform to champion physical and mental wellbeing.

“Exercise keeps me balanced,” she says. “It gives me the strength to face challenges and to keep building something positive in Dad’s memory.”

Whether she’s training for her next competition, planning her next fundraiser, or developing the farm’s new ventures, Emily knows her dad would be proud.

“He’s still part of everything we do,” she says.

“Thanks to the hospice, we had time together that I’ll always be grateful for. And now, I get to make his dream a reality – every single day.”