The Myton Hospices - People's Stories

Gary was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in his late twenties. Now aged 67, he recently took part in our Fatigue and Breathlessness (FAB) Programme to help manage his condition.

Gary was contacted by Keira, a Community Connector working in the Leamington area. Through her work supporting people with long-term health conditions like COPD, she had helped to set up a local support group. It was at one of these monthly meetings that Gary first heard about The Myton Hospices. Our Community Engagement Manager and Registered Nurse, Olivia Bowskill, gave a talk about the services we offer – including the FAB Programme. Gary said:

Olivia’s presentation really opened our eyes to hospice care and everything Myton does. We all thought hospices were just for people with cancer. The Fatigue and Breathlessness Programme sounded really interesting. With COPD, you focus a lot on your breathing, but I’d never connected that my fatigue could be linked.

Following this, Gary attended one of our GP Information Clinics with Olivia, where he was referred to the FAB Programme. He recalled:

At the clinic, Olivia said I’d benefit from the programme. I told the rest of my COPD group and they were really curious to see how I got on.

The course has truly changed my life. I learned so much about my condition, how to manage it and take control. The team running the sessions were so knowledgeable. No question stumped them – they just knew everything!

We were taught exercises and techniques that help with both fatigue and breathlessness, and since I’ve been doing them, I’ve had so much more energy. It’s like I’ve got a new lease of life – I just wish I found it 40 years ago!

When I went back to my group, I couldn’t stop talking about it. I encouraged everyone to sign up. They were amazed at how much I’d learned and the impact it’s had.

I know there is no cure for COPD, but what I can do is make sure I have the best quality of life – and that’s exactly what the FAB Programme has given me. My wife is probably sick of hearing about it, but she’s seen such a change in me.

Before, COPD controlled me. I wouldn’t even leave the house alone because I was scared of having an attack. Now, I walk the dog by myself – something I’d never thought I’d do. I take it steady, resting at benches along the way, but just being able to go for a walk again has done wonders for my mental health.

I’m doing more now than I ever have. I’ve even joined some new clubs – something I never imagined. I go to a Wellbeing in Nature group with Achieving Results in the Community once a week, and I love being out of the house and no longer feeling afraid.

Of course, I still have bad days but the FAB Programme has given me the tools to cope. It’s given me purpose again – and for that, I’ll always be grateful to Myton.

Our Fatigue and Breathlessness Programme is designed to help people with life-limiting conditions, like COPD, to manage their symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue and anxiety, and improve their overall quality of life.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our FAB Programme, speak to your GP about a referral or find out more below.

Find out more about our FAB Programme HERE!