Hazel and George, aged 76 and 87 respectively, first met in the 1980s and have been happily married since 1996.
Hazel has a chronic lung condition called Bronchiectasis and George was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2019, but both have found care, support and fun at The Myton Hospices.
Hazel started her journey with Myton as a Patient & Carer Wellbeing patient through the ‘Take a Breath’ sessions which helped her understand her symptoms and avoid hospital admissions. Hazel commented:
’Take a Breath’ really helped me to understand my symptoms and know what to do to ease them. Of course, this medical side is important for me to know, but being surrounded by people who were experiencing the same or similar symptoms was invaluable.
George joined Hazel in attending the Patient & Carers meetings but after a couple of months, George received his bladder cancer diagnosis.
Since the pandemic, the couple attend our Rugby Myton Support Hub for a variety of activities and support. They participate in ‘Coffee Connexion’ and ‘Time for Me’ sessions, where they connect with others and engage in arts and crafts. Despite physical limitations, the couple value the experience, finding joy in the creative process and the social interactions.
George continued:
Our week revolves around Myton – the support and services are so impactful that we don’t make any plans for the days we’re here!
We attend the sessions for the chance to talk to others who are going through similar things and take part in the art and craft activities!
Hazel and George praised the care and support they receive from Myton, with Hazel saying:
The nurses are incredible. We were at Coventry Myton Hospice and one of the Wellbeing nurses saw us and immediately rushed over to say hello and asked us how we were doing. They really care!
They help us relax. When we walk through the doors, we forget about what we’re going through and it just makes life easier! We’ve made friendships that have stuck outside of Myton and have support groups that spread outside. We don’t know what we’d do without Myton!
When asked about what Myton means to them, Hazel and George gushed:
We talk about Myton endlessly; we probably bore people with how much we talk about it. But the effects are long lasting, it stays with you – it’s just magic. It’s a big comfort and security, providing us with tips and tricks to live well.
We’ve learnt about our disabilities and conditions in a way we can understand and know how to look after ourselves both physically and mentally.
People ask why we attend, and the inevitable question is ‘are you going to die?’. I always reply with ‘I’m not here to die, but I’m here to learn how to live better and happier’.
From Friday 26th July to Sunday 11th August, The Myton Hospices Butterfly Effect will be celebrating the lives of our loved ones in a unique and special way with a brand-new heartfelt installation taking flight at Coughton Court, National Trust property.
With your help, we are hoping to raise £75,000 from this campaign to fund the recruitment, training and salary of a registered nurse for 18 months.
Join us and become part of The Butterfly Effect so we can be there for more people like Hazel and George, when they need us most, now and in the future.
