My name is Terry and I’m a patient at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell. I’m writing to you because I want to let you know about something that’s really important to me. The hospice has been a godsend during my recent illness, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, my bed at the hospice might not be here soon.
I’m 77 years old now, but up until recently I was still enjoying working. I’ve always been active, and a keen runner – I’ve even run the London Marathon twice – so it came as a huge shock that things could change so quickly for me. Devastating news after a chest x-ray confirmed that I had lung cancer and a short time later I found myself here at the hospice.
To be honest, I didn’t really know what they did here, like most people I didn’t think about it. But when I needed it, when I was feeling frightened and disturbed, this beautiful place had a bed for me and it felt like a gift. I feel so lucky to be receiving such dedicated and compassionate care, I honestly cannot believe what the wonderful people here have done to make my last days so complete. In my eyes, the nurses and doctors are angels in disguise. My time might be short now, but being here has brought me peace, and my wish is that everyone who needs it can get the care they deserve, the unbelievable care that I’ve experienced here.