Paul, originally from Birmingham and now living locally in Bridgwater, is a regular visitor to the Sunflower Centre at St Margaret’s Hospice. Reflecting on his journey, Paul shared how his initial thoughts about the hospice were filled with hesitation and concern. “At first, when you hear the word hospice, you think, ‘Oh, really, am I that bad? Do I really need that?’” he recalled. However, his perspective began to change once he started attending the hospice’s day centre: the Sunflower Centre.
Paul found comfort in his wife’s light-hearted approach to his visits. “My wife nailed it really. She doesn’t call it a hospice; she calls it the groovy club,” he said with a smile. “She says, ‘Are you off to the groovy club today?’ Yeah, that’s where I’ll be today.” This playful rebranding became a way for his family to cope with the emotional weight of the situation. “It just helps lighten it,” he added. “It’s a bit hard for them as well.”
It’s a very happy place, nobody feels sorry for themselves, the staff are more than willing to help, so it feels secure that way. If you’re got a problem, they get you to the right place which is very reassuring."
Paul has received advice about breathing techniques which have quite revolutionised his previous approach of short and deep inhalations. He is now spending more time breathing out more calmly, slowing the whole process down to make it easier and more effective. In addition to the supportive environment, Paul benefited from complementary therapies provided by the hospice. “I’ve been receiving some massage therapy,” he explained. Due to the aftereffects of radiotherapy, Paul was left with significant neck damage that caused frequent cramps. “Because of my illness, I can’t take painkillers for it. So the only relief I do get is a complementary massage to help relieve and get rid of some of the tension in my neck, which helps a lot.”
Paul also found joy in engaging with simple activities he had never tried before. “Today, I made a little stick waving… I did a bit of that. I’ve made flower arrangements and other things,” he laughed. “I don’t really care what they think anymore. I’m just happy to come and share something with somebody.”
The hospice provided Paul with a judgment-free zone, which he cherished. “There’s no judgment… Everybody’s easy-going, and we have a bit of a giggle,” he noted. “One of the reasons I enjoy coming is because I get to socialise and just generally meet nice people.”
However, Paul was also aware of the bittersweet reality of his circumstances. “Unfortunately, there’s been one or two that have passed in the time I’ve been there,” he said, acknowledging the inevitability of loss. “But I guess we’re all here for a reason, so we help each other understand that.”
Through his time at the Sunflower Centre, Paul discovered that the hospice was not a place of sadness, but rather a community of support, laughter, and understanding.
