Christine was referred to Blythe House in spring 2021 by her GP at Thornbrook Surgery in Chapel-en-le-Frith after tests revealed that she had cancerous tumours on her lungs and brain.
Christine’s beloved younger son, Simon, tragically died on 31st January 2021 after he was diagnosed with cancer, aged just 35 years old. After this, Christine became unwell and doctors thought she may have had a stroke, but examinations at hospital and an MRI scan found that she’d had seizures as a result of the tumours.
Christine
Christine, who lives in Chapel-en-le-Frith, explained: ‘Dr Newbury referred me to the hospice for advice and support following my diagnosis. I underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy at The Christie Hospital.
‘I carried on having seizures and I just didn’t feel safe. I fell over and broke bones, including my ribs and sternum. I also damaged the bottom of my spine. I was very nervous. Angela and Miriam, the hospice’s physiotherapy and occupational therapy team, have been so very helpful. They suggested a new walker to help me with getting about better, and this has massively improved my confidence and my independence.
‘I attended a makeup session at the hospice aimed at boosting confidence and teaching skills to apply makeup. I loved it so much and felt really good afterwards. After the session, I wore make up for my next hospital appointment; I hadn’t worn it since I had been diagnosed. If you look good, you feel good, and although I don’t feel like me anymore, I try to maintain a positive mental attitude and keep going; this really helps me to cope with my illness.
‘I received support from George Downs, a welfare benefits officer who provided financial support and advice, which was just so beneficial to me. When you’re ill, your brain doesn’t work properly, so going through realms of paperwork with George’s support so was helpful.
‘Healthcare assistants (HCAs) from the Hospice at Home team come to visit me three times per week for personal care, including having a shower. My medication and steroids have made me gain four stone in weight and I am quite embarrassed and self-conscious but the HCAs put me at ease and make me feel so relaxed and comfortable. Philippa has been round just this morning and painted my toe nails!’
Pat
Pat Kirk, a hospice community volunteer, has supported Christine since October 2021.
Pat, who’s from Buxworth, explained: ‘When I first started helping Christine, there were still Covid-19 restrictions in place so we spent a lot of time outdoors. I weeded the driveway, and did some gardening. Then as Christine got to know me better, we started going to the local cafes and shops. At first, Christine was able to walk the short distance locally, but I have also taken her out in the wheelchair. I have done the occasional household chore; we’ve done some baking, and I have taken her to appointments.
‘Over the last few months, as Christine has become less steady on her feet, we started going out for drives in the car, or we might go to garden centres or teashops for coffee and a slice of cake. We’ve also been to buy fresh farm eggs or picked up an ice cream from the Hope Valley!
‘Christine is a very lovely and positive lady, despite all the stresses she has to endure. I enjoy visiting her as I can really see the difference it makes. Supporting Christine has made me so much more aware of what it’s like for people who can’t leave their house on their own. Whenever we’ve been out and about in Chapel-en-le-Frith, she’s met people she’s not seen for a long time, and it’s good to see her chatting with people she’s met by chance. That’s just the sort of interaction the rest of us take for granted.’
Christine added: ‘Pat and I get on so well. We have a nice time and really enjoy each other’s company. Pat has helped me to maintain my independence and keep me mobile by supporting me with little exercises and picking up advice from Angela and Miriam about getting in and out of the house and car safely. Other volunteers have also supported me by taking me to hospital appointments when my family have been unavailable due to work commitments.
‘It has been lovely to get out of the house; in the car or on foot. It feels like I’m on holiday and it takes my mind off everyday things. The times with Pat just bring a bit of normality, and they make me feel like I’m not ill. After being locked in during Covid, it was horrific, but getting out allows me to see and meet people I haven’t seen for so long and have a catch up. We sometimes also go to the cemetery to visit Simon, and my husband, Steve, who died 26 years ago.
‘I had never accessed hospice services before but had always supported the charity. We asked for my donations at both my Mum and Dad’s funerals to come to the hospice; I wanted the money to go to a local charity and be for the community. I have also given lots of my old clothes which no longer fit to the hospice charity shop in the town.
‘The conversations I have with people at the hospice help me to go somewhere else. When you’re ill, you don’t want to talk about illness all the time, and the team don’t do this. They make me laugh and make me forget about my diagnosis.
‘I don’t know what I would’ve done without the hospice; all the team are like family and I am surrounded by good people. You can tell they’re doing their job because they want to, not because they have to. Everyone is so helpful, kind and caring. Without them, I would be stuck indoors on my own. Their visits have increased my quality of life, and helped me to continue living my life despite my illness. I will be forever grateful to everyone.’
Find out more about Blythe House services.
Learn more about the Community Volunteer programme or apply to become a volunteer.
