Few can begin to imagine what hospice patients and their families are going through but one charity worker has a very personal connection to the care he provides.

Seven months ago Andrew Lowden was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After surgery he underwent chemotherapy and is now in remission. Now the 38-year-old, from Swanley, works as a mobile physiotherapist for Gravesend’s ellenor – the only hospice in the county which provides care for people of all ages.

The events of the past year mean that he knows just how important the work he and his colleagues means to those living with a life-threatening or life-limiting condition.

For health-conscious Andrew, a keen lacrosse player and runner, the discovery of cancer made him realise that it is a disease which can affect anyone at anytime.

He said: “While I can only imagine what it is like to receive a terminal diagnosis, having been someone who has experienced the diagnosis of cancer has allowed me to understand to some extent how our patients are feeling.

“Being a fellow cancer club member, I feel even more passionate about helping our patients to remain as physically capable as possible for as long as possible, which in turn allows them to live life right up until they die.

“Physiotherapy empowers our patients to maximise their quality of life, maintain their mobility and importantly their independence. It also puts coping mechanisms into place so patients are more in control of their lives.”

Physiotherapy in palliative care is an essential service, improving and maintaining patients’ quality of life along with that of their family. Andrew must consider the patient’s needs and wishes, along with their physical needs to help educate them on how they can cope and handle their situation as best they can to lessen the fear and anxiety they have about their condition.

While support is offered at ellenor’s hospice in Gravesend, 90% of the care it provides is delivered at home and all of it is free of charge. This means the charity must raise £7m a year.

For more information visit ellenor.org/therapies