Derbyshire farmer brings his baby cows to put smiles on faces of hospice patients  

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

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.   

Mr Pearson, 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. 

The 54-year-old farmer 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.” 

Lovely day 

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 Mini, five, Lulu, six, and Ziggy, three. 

Ms Harland, 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.”  

Comfort and emotional support for patients and staff 

In addition to bringing farm animals to visit patients, Mr Pearson 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.   

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