‘At first, I was very sceptical — us blokes don’t tend to open up and talk about our feelings. I was worried about being the only male in the room, but I said to myself: ‘No, give it a chance!’ And I am very glad I did. The group has been truly amazing.’
Following his diagnosis with bowel cancer in 2024 – and later with secondary, terminal peritoneum cancer – Michael has been accessing support at Blythe House, including our Wellbeing Wednesday group.
He said: ‘I was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in June 2024, but my operation to remove the cancer went wrong, and I ended up with sepsis and a long stay in hospital, including chemotherapy. After that, everything seemed to be going well for months, and I was going for my final ‘all-clear’ appointment when doctors told me, in May 2025, that the cancer had spread to my peritoneum. This secondary cancer is, sadly, terminal and has a poor prognosis.
‘I have been having immunotherapy and other treatments to help as much as possible. I am very determined to beat this, and I am remaining positive. It’s been a tough journey — physically, mentally, and emotionally — but through it all, one thing has remained constant: the incredible love, strength, and support I’ve received from my amazing family and friends.”
Michael also shared how the hospice has played a part in his journey: ‘I have sought solitude and support from Blythe House Hospice. At first, I was very sceptical — us blokes don’t tend to open up and talk about our feelings. I was worried about being the only male in the room, but I said to myself: ‘No, give it a chance!’ And I am very glad I did. The group has been truly amazing.’
Our Wellbeing Wednesday group is a confidential support group led by our expert nurses. It is a safe space where attendees can make friends and share experiences, learn coping strategies to manage emotions, anxieties, and fears about medical procedures, expectations, fatigue, and uncertainty. Patients also explore ways to build resilience and improve body image.
Michael is now a regular face at the sessions: ‘The only time I’d ever miss the group now is if I’ve got a medical appointment. The support has been amazing. We are very good friends and open and supportive to each other. I’ve had six sessions of reflexology with Kate, and acupuncture with Mark, which has been just amazing and has worked wonders in helping me feel a lot better.’
Pete’s fundraising story