Their friendship is a bonus

18 September 2009

Two ladies who met at the day therapy unit at Sue Ryder Wheatfields - Hospice have formed a close friendship and for both of them It has proved a "real bonus". Christine McGowan was first diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago and it was suggested to her on two occasions that she would benefit by attending the day therapy unit at Wheatfields. On both occasions she said "No", because of the association people have with the hospice movement.

Her father had died in the hospice and although "His experience was wonderful, it was like a top class hotel for him" Christine did not want to attend as a patient. Only in 2006, when in her own words, she "was quite poorly" did she decide "I will give it a go" Christine attended one day a week for about one year and the great benefit was that "The hospice has helped me put my life back on track. It has taught me to be positive and enjoy life." She is also keen to stress the impact it has had on her family "Who have seen a big change in me. They recognised I was picking up and I was in good hands with people who have the skills and the patience to make a real difference." After the first two or three weeks I started looking forward to coming. Christine currently attends the drop in service on a Wednesday.

Her new friend Sally Porter started with severe back pain in 2002 and for a long time her condition could not be identified. Finally it was diagnosed as a form of cancer which attacks the bone marrow. It was in 2003/04 that Sally first started attending the day therapy unit at Wheatfields. She recalls "It was lovely to be looked after, to have people to talk to who understood" The one outstanding achievement for Sally was finding that she had some artistic talent. She started to paint while attending the unit and as a result when her health improved and she left the hospice she enrolled for a two year course at a local college.

In 2007 when her illness returned she asked to come back to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, to the day Therapy Unit. "This place is like an oasis, they make you feel so safe. It is hard to define but there is something about this place that makes you smile again." Both Christine and Sally agree "Wheatfields is like a family, in fact we both feel we have two families, our own at home and this one here at the hospice."

Their friendship formed when both were attending the day unit but it was only when they were to be discharged that they recognised it. Christine remembers saying to Sally "Why don't I give you a ring?" They then started to meet up on a Wednesday and even enrolled on the same course together. They have remained close friends since "Although we are different in many ways we also have a lot in common and our close friendship is something special." explained Christine.

Sally was the one who heard about the new drop in service and both ladies have been delighted to take advantage and resume their connection with the hospice. They both believe people should know and understand what is on offer and both are keen to tell others and encourage them to come. Much to their delight they both also entered a piece of art work into the national Sue Ryder Art Liberating Lives event.

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