Eileen stayed at Bolton Hospice's Inpatient Unit and also accessed the services at the Wellbeing Hub including complementary therapy, creative therapy and the hair and image service. 

“I was diagnosed with CLL, that’s chronic lymphatic leukaemia, 10 years ago, but it’s only been the last two years that I’ve been very poorly. I have been in and out of hospital for four months before coming to Bolton Hospice, which has been smashing. For my husband and daughter particularly, it’s given us all a break because as you can imagine it’s got everybody down. It doesn’t just affect me. Here at the hospice I’m better off because the staff know how I feel, whereas my family don’t know so they can’t help me in that way. All they can do it help by being practical. And here my husband and daughter still visit me a lot.

I went over to the Wellbeing Hub today and I’ve been making silk scarves and finishing off some spring crafts. The scarves have been my favourite craft because I like watching the ink develop, it’s like a photo so it’s changing all the time in front of you. It’s just so relaxing, and then I can come away when I’ve had enough or need a rest. I can also bring the crafts back to my room if I’m not making any mess!”

The staff are absolutely brilliant; everyone is so good. I can’t praise them highly enough. I said to my friend you just feel safe here. The continuity makes a massive difference when you’re not well. You don’t have to keep updating the staff every single second because they’re so good at passing on messages. I’ve never had that anywhere else.

To anyone nervous about coming to the hospice I’d tell them not to be. I was a little bit because I’d never been to one before, but it’s brought me massive relief and has made a massive difference to us all. I feel free again.”