Yvonne has lived in Somerset for most of her life, having spent 25 years working as a Healthcare Assistant at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton. “I’m quite a people person,” says Yvonne with a smile. “Working on wards and things, you’re used to dealing with people of all ages, and I think I’ve got quite a young outlook on life. Not bad for 83!”
However, Yvonne’s health has been challenging for the past four years. Initially, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment that was successful. “After three attempts to clear it, I ended having had a mastectomy, and then it was all clear.” However, while undergoing tests related to chest pain three years ago, doctors discovered that she had liver cancer.
This time, she decided not to go ahead with treatment. “I didn’t want the operation because it was a massive thing, and the cancer is slow growing. If I’d been younger, I might have thought differently.”
It was Yvonne’s GP who told her about the St Margaret’s Sunflower Centre and arranged her referral.
At first, I wasn't sure at all. I thought we'd all be sitting in a sad circle at different stages of illness. But it's not like that whatsoever – it’s wonderful. The minute you walk through the doors, it lifts you. It's like a big, warm hug."Yvonne
Her time at the hospice has introduced her to new experiences. “They’ve got me doing things I never thought I would do. I’m not artistic whatsoever, but we’ve had such fun.” Yvonne has embraced the activities on offer. “I knitted a hedgehog – it’s my pride and joy. I’ve done tie-dyeing, decoupage… things that never would have entered my mind. I always make such a mess, but we roar with laughter. That’s my speciality: making a mess!”
Yvonne's knitted hedgehog
The Sunflower Centre has also given her the chance to express her creativity in a meaningful way. “I’ve made three memory boxes – one for my daughter and two for my granddaughters.” These memory boxes, decorated and filled by Yvonne, will be precious keepsakes for her family to treasure.
Yvonne has also enjoyed the hospice’s Complementary Therapy treatments. “I’ve had Reiki a couple of times, but I really like reflexology. That’s lovely.” She’s also spent time with the hospice’s physiotherapists, who have been supporting her with mobility after fracturing her back last year. The hospice has also made sure her home is outfitted to keep her as comfortable and independent as possible. “They’ve supplied me with a walker, a seat in the bathroom, and a TENS machine for pain control. Nothing’s too much trouble.”
The Sunflower Centre and Complementary Therapy aren’t the only services Yvonne has used. She has been treated by the St Margaret’s Lymphoedema team for years now and finds them extremely helpful and welcoming. She has also made use of the 24-hour Advice Line, which supports people across Somerset whenever they need it, day or night.
It doesn’t matter which part of St Margaret’s you go into, you always get that warmth and that lift. It’s the people that make it."Yvonne
To anyone hesitant about the Sunflower Centre, she offers encouragement. “I know the word ‘hospice’ sounds scary, but it’s nothing to be frightened about. It’s something I wish more people could experience. It takes a lot of the fear out of having a life-limiting illness.”
Her gratitude shines through. “I feel blessed, to be honest. I really do.
I think I’ve got a guardian angel. I’ve always thought that. But she’s working overtime at the moment!"Yvonne
Looking back on her journey, Yvonne hopes others will take comfort from her experience. “If we didn’t have these places, I think our whole lives would be completely different. People need to know that this service is available. The hospice is a wonderful place.”
Help us be there for more people like Yvonne
It is only thanks to your support that people like Yvonne can find comfort, companionship, and creativity at our Sunflower Centres in Taunton and Yeovil. Consider donating, volunteering, or supporting us however you can to ensure we can be there for more people, now and always.