‘I come home ever so uplifted’ - Patsy’s Story

Patsy, a mother of two and grandmother of two, who is living with a terminal illness, explains how she is enjoying a new-found confidence after attending Living Well at the Hospice and the huge difference it has made to her life.

“When they invited me to Living Well, I sat thinking, ‘Should I?’ But my husband encouraged me, and it’s really opened my eyes to what’s out there. Now, well, I come home afterwards ever so uplifted.

The biggest change, she says, is that it has given her back a sense of purpose in life.

“I felt I was just a burden. I felt helpless but didn’t want to talk about it. I now feel I’ve got something to live for.”

“I like to be thought of as useful. At Living Well, if someone wants to know how to crochet or make dolls I know I can show them.”

Patsy has recently returned to a warm welcome at Living Well after receiving care on the In-Patient Ward. “It was like being a long-lost friend. I missed it because, apart from anything else, we laugh a lot.

“My main goal now is to help others. I was stuck at home with no one to talk to. I’ve changed. If I am in a group now and I see someone sitting in the corner, not talking, I’ll go and get them. Talking and sharing makes you feel better. It’s helped me an awful, awful lot.”