Man with stage 4 pancreatic cancer hopes to create peaceful retreat for families affected by cancer

A man diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer is working towards creating a peaceful retreat where people affected by cancer can spend valuable time with their loved ones and make lasting memories.

Rob Fielder received his diagnosis in November 2025. Despite facing a life-changing illness, he has chosen to focus on a project that he hopes will offer comfort, connection and meaningful experiences to other families going through similar challenges.

His vision is called Rob’s Place, a planned retreat at Shorefield Country Park in the New Forest. The aim is to create a welcoming and restful environment for people living with any type of cancer, alongside their families and loved ones.

The project is intended to give families an opportunity to step away from the pressures of everyday life and spend quality time together. For those navigating a cancer diagnosis, time with family and friends can become particularly precious.

Rob’s ambition is rooted in his own experiences since being diagnosed with the disease. Rather than focusing solely on his personal circumstances, he is working to turn his vision into something that could benefit other people facing the challenges of cancer.

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust: Read about Rob’s involvement in supporting pancreatic cancer early detection research at Queen Alexandra Hospital.

Working alongside his business partner, Mel Parfitt, Rob is developing the idea of Rob’s Place and exploring how the planned retreat could become a reality.

The proposed location at Shorefield Country Park, in the New Forest, would provide a setting for families to relax and enjoy time together. The vision is to offer more than simply a place to stay, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for people to share experiences and make memories.

The project aims to welcome people affected by all types of cancer, recognising that a diagnosis can have a profound impact not only on the individual but also on partners, children, relatives and friends.

Rob’s story has already received attention from regional news outlets. ITV Meridian has featured his determination to give back to the community while living with terminal cancer, highlighting his wish to make a positive difference to others.

He has also been featured by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust in connection with pancreatic cancer research and efforts to support vital early detection work at Queen Alexandra Hospital.

A separate feature from the University of Southampton has also explored his experiences in the context of pancreatic cancer research, offering further insight into the circumstances that have helped shape his plans.

Those sharing Rob’s story are now hoping to raise awareness of his ambition through local news coverage, interviews and human-interest features, helping more people understand what he hopes to achieve.

The request to share Rob’s story is not a fundraising appeal. Instead, the focus is on raising awareness of Rob’s Place and the idea behind it, giving the project an opportunity to reach people who may be interested in learning more.

Rob’s vision reflects a desire to create something meaningful for other families during an incredibly difficult period of their lives. If realised, Rob’s Place could offer people affected by cancer an opportunity to pause, spend time with those closest to them and create memories together.

Further information about Rob Fielder’s journey and the planned retreat is available through the coverage published by ITV Meridian, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and the University of Southampton, as well as through information about Rob’s Place.

Find out more

Readers can learn more about Rob’s story and his plans for Rob’s Place through the following resources:

Rob’s Place: Information about the proposed retreat at Shorefield Country Park in the New Forest.

University of Southampton: Discover further background on Rob’s experiences and pancreatic cancer research.