Why you should support our hospice this Christmas
This Christmas I’d be lost without the support of St Ann’s Hospice - Written by Bernard Whipday, outpatient at The Being You Centre
I am an outpatient at the St Ann’s Hospice Being You Centre. I can no longer walk due to breathing difficulties, and I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at Stage 4 end-of-life. I worked at a rubber factory for 18 years, and my doctor suspected that the fumes from the factory had caused this damage to my lungs.
It fell to my wife Eileen to provide 24-hour care for me at home, and without her, I wouldn’t have survived this far. I couldn’t do anything for myself and felt totally useless. I can’t thank her enough. And I’ll be honest and admit that before starting my treatment at St Ann’s last year, I felt I could no longer go on. I used to wake up and wonder why I was still here.
I now attend sessions at the Being You Centre at St Ann’s at least twice a week, and I enjoy them so much. I’d come every day if I could. St Ann’s has been a godsend for me and my family. Now, I get up in the morning and can’t wait to go to the hospice in my wheelchair. It means so much to me.
St Ann’s Hospice has given me a reason to continue to live. I’d be lost without their support, and I know plenty of patients who feel just like me. The hospice provides all of their services free of charge, but this wouldn’t be possible without the kind donations from our community of supporters. Bernard Whipday, outpatient at The Being You Centre
As well as counselling, I have complementary therapy to help me relax, and physiotherapy to ease my breathlessness. I also have occupational therapy to help manage my fatigue.
Fundraising is essential to the running of the hospice, and your donation, no matter how big or small, is invaluable to St Ann’s and the families they’re caring for this Christmas.
Just £20 could help to stock the drinks trolley so inpatients and their families can enjoy a hot drink or festive tipple together this Christmas Day.
£30 could pay for a bereavement session with St Ann’s specialist team, for someone who is struggling with their first Christmas since losing their loved one.
I can’t put into words the impact of the physical and mental health support I’ve received at St Ann’s. Joining social and support groups has also had an incredible effect on me, allowing me to share my experiences and providing valuable coping mechanisms. I’ve formed connections at St Ann’s, and friendships I’ll cherish.
On my latest visit to St Ann’s, I brought a £60 donation from my family and friends. I’m lucky to have 20 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, and as a family, we do our best to fundraise for St Ann’s.
St Ann’s is there for me, and has been here for our community for over 50 years. But without sufficient funds, others like me won’t receive the help I do. St Ann’s is like a family, but needs community support to keep its doors open.
This Christmas, please donate anything you can to help St Ann’s. It would mean so much to people like me who would be lost without this wonderful place.
Your donation makes a difference. To donate today please call us on 0161 498 3631 or click here.