A severely overweight Lincolnshire man whose only wish was to die at home has passed away in hospital.
Paul Humphrey, 37, died after a long battle with cancer.
His family have spoken of their devastation that Paul did not get the chance to die at home.
He had lost around 12 stone while in hospital where he was admitted in August last year, weighing 42 stone.
Paul, who had worked as a carer for HICA, was diagnosed with penile cancer. He died on Saturday, June 17 in Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby.
His family visited him every day and their greatest wish was for a home where he could be cared for in his final days at home.
North East Lincolnshire Council had offered Paul’s family a home but over two weeks ago he contracted an infection.
His mother Linda said: “I miss my boy. I can’t believe he has gone. He died in hospital and I did not wish for that to happen. We are devastated.”
She said she was expecting to go into hospital for treatment herself as she requires a below-the-knee amputation.
Her partner, Norman Howe, said: “Paul was a gentle giant who would do anything for anyone.”
He added: “We are still desperate for a new place as this place is not suitable for Linda as she will soon be having a below-knee amputation and if we don’t get a new place she could be stuck in hospital like Paul was.”
He said Linda was due to have the operation next week but they hope that can be postponed until after Paul’s funeral.
Norman said he will still be going ahead with a head shave to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Norman, who provides computer training for a caring support service, has been growing his hair since December.
He said: “Sadly that will be in Paul’s memory now. It will help all those who are going through what Paul has been for nearly a year. It is what Paul wanted.”
The family also paid tribute to the care their son had in hospital.
Norman said: “The staff did all that they could.”
Norman said the family had no money to pay for Paul’s funeral and appealed for donations.
