Richard is a retired commercial gas engineer. His job meant that he was familiar with the Hospice as he used to service the heating and the boilers at the building. He has taken part in our Living Well programme, designed to help patients adjust to and live well with a progressive life limiting illness. He reflects on his experience as part of the group:
"I knew what it was like here and that I was terminally ill, so I applied to come here. I had two heart attacks in a week. I was rushed into hospital with heart failure then I was rushed in again as I couldn't breathe, and they found I had a blockage between the heart and the lungs.
"They did an operation to save my life by putting a stent in and they found cancer right close to the heart. They gave me three months and that was nearly three years ago.
"The care at the Hospice would be beneficial for everybody. The course helps me because I get out and meet people. The staff are nice and friendly here and always make you feel welcome. In fact, it's a pleasure to come here.
"We talk and that's the most important thing. I know they do try and teach us things, but we end up having a general conversation and that's good.
"I enjoyed the Remembering Well week when we were asked to bring in various things and tell a little bit of our stories. I brought in my parents identity cards which were dated on the day I was born. We talked so much that day and shared stories."
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"The fact that we're sharing the experience we've had is very useful, it's a deep and personal dialogue about very difficult situations."
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