'Cuddle bed' planned in memory of Norfolk farmer
Clare Worden/BBCThe friends and family of a Norfolk farmer who died earlier this year are raising money for a special "cuddle bed" in his memory.
Jason Carr, who was known as J, was cared for on the Peddars Way Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, after his cancer diagnosis.
The special beds, which are big enough for two people, cost £15,000.
Consultant nurse Emma Clark said having one of the beds would allow families to be closer together at such an important time.
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Carr's partner of 24 years, Angela, praised the care and compassion he received at The Peddars Way Unit.
She said: "As Jason became weaker, all I wanted was to lie beside him, hold him close, and let him know he wasn't alone.
"A cuddle bed would have made that possible.
"At the end of life, human touch becomes more important than ever. It offers reassurance, warmth and love when words are no longer enough."
Cuddle beds have the same adaptations as standard hospital beds, but are larger to allow another person to lie in them.
David Shaw from Terrington St John cycled 139 miles around the county to raise money for the bed.
He said Carr was very community-minded, a regular blood donor and 'the life and soul' of the friendship group.
"I went through a lot of things when I was training, and I certainly went through a lot on the ride," he said.
"There were points I didn't want to keep going, but he was always in the back of my head, and I knew he wouldn't give up or quit."
More than £8,000 has been raised towards the target so far.
The Peddars Way Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which has five beds, opened in autumn 2024.
It allows patients who are not going to get better to receive hospice care in a quieter, more homely environment.
Clark said that since opening, they have had requests for a cuddle bed, so the group's fundraising is really welcome.
"A cuddle bed would be ideal in making sure that families can still be really close to their loved ones at such a precious moment," she said.
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