Twin calves brought joy to patients receiving end of life and palliative care during a special visit to a Derbyshire hospice.  

The twin Brown Swiss cows, called Bonnie and Bella, visited patients at Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield on Friday afternoon. 

Local farmer Rob Pearson and his partner Emma Brookbank, of Newgate Farm in Barlow, took the animals to the hospice – just four weeks after they were born.  

The hospice’s Inpatient Unit (IPU) and Day Services patients and their families found comfort in petting and stroking the baby cows during the visit.  

Among the patients who met the baby cows was Carol Harland, 75, from Bakewell, who had only been staying on the hospice’s IPU for two days when she was surprised by Bonnie and Bella.

She was enjoying a visit from three generations of her family; her daughters Anna and Louise, her granddaughter Emma and great-grandchildren Minnie, five, Lulu, six, and Ziggy, three. 

Carol, who has bowel cancer, said: “The cows have been gorgeous. I have had a lovely day. Plus I had a lovely bath, reflexology and did some crafts. There is something all the time for you to do and everything is tailored to you.” 

Her daughter Anna Crease added: “Being at the hospice has really lifted mum up.” 

Another patient Mary Elaine Thompson, 72, who was admitted to the IPU two weeks ago, after being diagnosed with cancer in March this year. 

Mary, from Buxton in Derbyshire, has been married to her husband Roger, 75, for 54 years and they have seven great-grandchildren. 

The former care worker said: “Being at Ashgate Hospice is like being at The Ritz. The nurses are so good; they have angel wings coming out of their heads! 

“I am in the best possible place. I can get help when I need it and I feel secure.” 

Rob, a long-time supporter of the hospice, wanted to start giving back after his mum Mona Pearson and niece Louise Pearson received end of life care at the hospice. 

Rob, aged 54, said: “Bonnie and Bella are pedigree Brown Swiss cattle; they were born on the farm and are going to be used for milk production. 

“They’re really nice cattle to deal with and they’d just been born when Ali [Ward-Foster] from the hospice got in touch to ask if we had any farm animals for a visit so it made sense to bring them. 

“I lost my mum in 2012, and the hospice were very good with caring for her; plus you never know if you’ll need the care yourself one day.  

“It’s only down the road and I’m more than happy to do my bit to support a charity. You only have to see the look on the patients faces when we bring in the animals – that makes the whole thing worth it.” 

In addition to bringing farm animals to visit patients, Rob mows the hospice’s meadow free of charge to give back after the care his family received. 

Karen Walker, Ward Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful that Rob and Emma continue to visit us with their lovely farm animals. 

“At Ashgate Hospice, we’re always doing what we can to make being at the hospice as special as it can be for our patients and their families, so to be able to put a smile on people’s faces means so much. 

“Animals play a crucial role in providing comfort and emotional support. They help reduce feelings of anxiety, and stress – not only for patients but for staff too.  

“Having animals around helps create a calming atmosphere, which is so important for everyone’s wellbeing.” 

To find out more about how Ashgate Hospice cares for families across North Derbyshire visit the charity’s website.  

Ashgate Hospice is backing Hospice UK’s campaign for fairer funding for hospices and is urging the public to write to their MP and show them how much hospice care matters. 

Find out more about the campaign on the hospice’s website.