Mike’s story – a lasting legacy for Blythe House Hospice
‘It’s my way of saying thank you – I don’t think I’d be here without Blythe House.’
Mike is proud to support Blythe House Hospice by leaving a gift in his Will to help the hospice continue to provide vital services in the future.
A former mechanical engineer and borough councillor, Mike has lived in Chapel-en-le-Frith for many years, forging strong connections within the community. His journey with Blythe House is one of resilience, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to giving back.
‘I can’t imagine my life without Blythe House Hospice,’ Mike shares. His connection with the hospice began after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007. Seeking support, he founded the High Peak Prostate Cancer Support Group at Blythe House in 2010, providing a vital space for others navigating similar challenges. Over the years, he has not only facilitated the group but has also benefited personally from Blythe House’s other services, including counselling, the carers support group, and Thursday peer support groups.
Mike’s bond with Blythe House grew even stronger as he navigated the role of primary carer for his beloved wife, Pat, for ten years before she died in 2018. The hospice became a sanctuary for him during his darkest times, offering guidance and solace when he needed it most.
Mike explains: ‘Following Pat’s death, and after all the important tasks were complete like registering her death and organising the funeral, I honestly did wake up one morning and wonder what on earth I was going to do with myself, and what my purpose in life was anymore.’
Mike and Pat shared 46 wonderful years together, 42 of them as husband and wife. They raised four sons, who now reside both locally and as far away as America and New Zealand. Together, they had discussed ways to express their appreciation for Blythe House, and leaving a gift in their Will was a heartfelt decision they made together: ‘Pat and I had discussed doing something to thank Blythe House for all that it had done for us, and we talked about leaving a gift in our Will. In terms of making it happen; I made sure of that after Pat had died. My family is in no doubt about the benefits of Blythe House, and wholly supports my decision to leave a gift in my Will. Grief has been so very painful; I’ve been in some very dark places but Blythe House has been absolutely immense. It’s my way of saying thank you – I don’t think I’d be here without Blythe House.’
In the wake of his profound loss, Mike chose to rebuild his life around the hospice and its community: ‘I reached a point where I just wanted to give up and shuffle off; but I knew I needed to do something to help myself. What was I going to do? I needed a reason to get out of bed in the morning and to get out of the house. So, I structured my life around the support at Blythe House.’
His weekly routine became a source of strength and purpose. On Tuesdays, he joins the walking group; Wednesdays are for coffee and catch-ups with former patients; Thursdays are spent at the social group at the hospice; and he looks forward to the monthly coffee mornings and prostate cancer support group. He’s also a proud member of the ‘BBC’ – the ‘Bacon Butty Club’ – which meets regularly for a hearty breakfast and camaraderie. He says: ‘I can’t imagine my life without Blythe House Hospice. I have got something to look forward to every week – people are looking out for me and care about me. It’s like having another family.’
Mike’s generosity and legacy will ensure that Blythe House Hospice continues to support individuals and families across the community for years to come. Mike says: ‘I am proud to have rebuilt my life; it’s worth getting up every day. It’s absolutely vital that Blythe House succeeds. The work it does is just so, so important, especially geographically in the area we live. It plays such a huge role in bridging the gap for local patients and their appointments at hospitals 15 to 20 miles away – it’s not just clinical services; it is so much more. It is a vital link in the chain and provides such an important service.’
By leaving a gift in his Will, Mike has created a lasting impact, ensuring that Blythe House continues to be there for people across North Derbyshire in years to come. Mike says: ‘I am honoured to be able to do my bit for the hospice and hope it helps to support many more people in the future.’
