“As I walked in through the main entrance I had a mild sense of trepidation, rather akin to my first day at school, or starting a new job.
“There was no need at all for me to be apprehensive, as I was made to feel very welcome and special by the nursing staff and volunteers on the Living Well course.”
Alex, who lives with prostate cancer, shares his experience of the care provided by St Richard’s for World Cancer Day on Saturday, 4 February.
From taking part in tai chi sessions, to receiving complementary therapy treatments, Alex, 69, was able to access a range of support during his visits to the hospice.
He says: “I looked forward to my one day of the week at the hospice, as there were always laughs to be had, and kind support given.”
We care for people living with cancer, and other illnesses including neurological, respiratory, cardiac and renal conditions.
Everything we do focusses on improving patients’ quality of life, helping them to live as fully as they can.
“To this day I feel blessed and fortunate that, in September 2022, my GP wrote to St Richard’s asking if they were able to offer some support to me, as at the time I was at my very lowest ebb,” explains Alex, from Tibberton near Droitwich.
“During the following eight weeks of the course, I was introduced to a variety of experiences, all of which have contributed to me being able to improve the quality of my daily life.”
His experiences at St Richard’s include support from our Citizens Advice advisor – and spending time with our Creative Therapist, discussing the process of writing a book about his career in professional motor racing.
“I have nothing but the highest praise for the kindness, attention, care and support I have received from the excellent nursing and therapy staff – and the delightful team of volunteers, who give so freely of their time to such a fine cause,” he adds.
“I am truly grateful for everything that St Richard’s Hospice has done for me. The care and support are of the very highest standard, and the bonus is that it all takes place in a wonderful building, in a beautiful setting. One cannot ask for more.”
Our grateful thanks to Alex for sharing such kind words on our care this World Cancer Day.
To find out more about our services, and how to access them, visit www.strichards.org.uk/our-care