Following a diagnosis of Parkinson's, Mark attended sessions at the Wellbeing Hub. The hub helped Mark manage his symptoms and gave him something to look forward to each week. Mark remained a passionate supporter of Bolton Hospice until he died in March 2024, helping to raise vital funds to help even more families like his.

“When I first got diagnosed, I was referred to Bolton Hospice to attend the consultant-led outpatient clinic. At first I wasn’t interested in going to the other drop in services at the wellbeing hub, in fact I wasn’t going in full stop! And as time went on, my wife kept telling me to try it so I gave it a go and I’ve never looked back!

I come two days a week and have also started attending the StoryHub sessions. I love making things at the hub, I’ve made all sorts since coming to the hospice it definitely keeps me busy!

When you hear the words ‘Bolton Hospice’ you think that’s where you go to die. But it’s not. It’s a brilliant place full of life. I love it and I’m the first person here now! Even when I’m feeling down and I don’t want to go out, I’ll still come to the hospice because I feel so comfortable here.

My wife and I have both accessed the wonderful complementary therapy, and have had lovely massages that have helped with shoulder pain as well as reflexology and Indian head massage. 

I’ve also stayed in the inpatient unit twice too to manage my symptoms which helped me greatly.

Everyone knows me by name here now, they really are like family to me!”