Annie’s story
‘Being part of the hospice community gave me a reason to keep going.’
Annie was first referred to Blythe House Hospice in November 2023 following her diagnosis with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). She attended our FAB (fatigue, anxiety and breathlessness) group, before joining our Thursday afternoon patient peer support group.
Annie, who was born in Manchester and spent 48 years of her life in South Africa, moved to Buxton to be closer to family, before settling in Chapel-en-le-Frith.
Annie said: ‘My health has always been a challenge. I’ve suffered with asthma and bronchitis for as long as I can remember, but a couple of years ago, I became really unwell. I went to the emergency drop-in centre, where I was told I had COPD. Not long after, I was admitted to hospital. When I was discharged, I was referred to the respiratory nurse clinic at Goyt Valley Surgery, and that’s when things really started to change.
‘A good friend of mine, who has cancer, recommended the Fatigue, Anxiety, and Breathlessness (FAB) group at Blythe House Hospice. She encouraged me to go along and find out more. I wasn’t sure at first, but from the moment I walked through the doors, I thought it was fab! Everyone was just so lovely.
‘At that time, I was feeling pretty low. I had become quite isolated, and if I’m honest, I’d lost a lot of confidence. I felt like I wasn’t doing anything, and I had almost forgotten how to be sociable. But Blythe House changed that. Being part of the hospice community gave me a reason to keep going.
‘I started attending in November 2023, and I’ve met so many interesting people since then. Some have even been to South Africa on holiday or have connections there, which has given us plenty to chat about. When the FAB sessions finished, I began going to the Thursday afternoon group. It’s such a welcoming and comforting space. We have coffee, a catch up, and do crafts and painting.
‘The support I’ve received from Blythe House has been incredible. There have been times when I’ve needed help with other things as well. One weekend, a lovely volunteer drove me to hospital to attend an appointment. On another occasion, someone helped me sort out my printer! It’s the little things like this that make all the difference. The people here genuinely care, and it makes me feel like I have someone looking out for me.
‘Blythe House has brought light back into my life. It’s a place full of warmth, comfort, and kindness, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.’
