Helen's story

Helen Turton (52) from Belton was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and after initial treatment, began attending the Lindsey Lodge Wellbeing Centre.

When Helen’s mobility began to deteriorate she was admitted to the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice.

“My whole experience of Lindsey Lodge has been extremely helpful, I was first referred to the Wellbeing Centre, but I felt a little sceptical to start with.

“My time in the Wellbeing Centre exceeded my expectations, I was there for six weeks and made a number of friends. I quickly connected with the other patients, as they knew how I was feeling.

“I’ve always been a very craft orientated person and the Wellbeing Centre allowed me to enjoy using my skills. I learnt how to crochet one handed so I could show another one of the Wellbeing patients who only had the use of one hand.

“When people think of hospices, they often think of doom and gloom, but I quickly realised when I first started visiting that this wasn’t the case. Throughout my time here, we’ve laughed and laughed.

“I was then admitted to the Inpatient Unit after my mobility quickly declined. As Christmas was soon approaching, I wanted to spend quality time with family and friends so the team at Lindsey Lodge arranged for me to visit home.

“I’ve always loved this time of year and it was lovely to enjoy many Christmas dinners with my loved ones, play games and enjoy each other’s company. During my time at home, it was reassuring to know that I would be returning to Lindsey Lodge.

“When it was time for me to come back to the Inpatient Unit, the staff made sure my room was festive, I brought my own Christmas tree and lights to decorate with. The warm glow of the Christmas lights have been a real comfort when I wake up on a night.

“It’s really difficult to know that I might not be around this Christmas, but the staff at the Hospice gave me the idea to create memory boxes for my loved ones, and they’ve helped me put them together, which was a really cathartic experience for me. I wouldn’t have had the chance to do this at home.

“I truly can’t credit Lindsey Lodge enough, the whole experience has been so positive. All of the staff and volunteers have been fantastic – nothing is too much trouble and you can’t ask for more than that.”