A woman who is battling breast cancer has spoken about how the “wonderful” drop-in sessions at LOROS Hospice give her much-needed “space for herself”.
Gwyn Fraser, of Newbold Verdon, has told of her experience ahead of an extra-special drop-in event, which is being held on Tuesday 17th January.
The ‘VIP Me!’ event, which is being held for patients, just like Gwyn and their families, friends and carers, will include a glass of fizz, or bottomless cups of tea, cake, a chance to meet new people, plus the opportunity to get pampered and take part in an optional photo-shoot.
Gwyn started attending the bi-monthly drop-in sessions at the Groby Road Hospice around a year ago.
“I had become so depressed and anxious, I was worried and scared about coming to LOROS but that changed straight away and now, I wouldn’t miss a drop-in session unless I really had too,” said the 64-year-old.
“I’ve made great friendships and have met so many other people in a similar situation to me.”
The drop-in sessions, which are held every other Tuesday, are a chance for people battling life-limiting illnesses – not just those with a terminal illness - to ‘drop-in’ to LOROS on an informal basis throughout the day to relax, get pampered and socialise.
The drop-in sessions are for people with non-terminal and terminal illnesses, including cancer, motor neurone disease, heart failure and respiratory failure.
“The drop-in sessions also give you a chance to be creative, we do things like flower arranging and water-colour painting,” she added.
“To be honest, I thought I would have another 20 years left in me to do and try these things but as I probably won’t, the drop-in sessions, give me the chance to.
“I’ve even bought the materials myself, for me to do these things at home too.”
After first being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, Gwyn was given the devastating news in 2012 that it had returned and was not curable.
Gwyn said the drop-in sessions also allow her to get pampered and on regular occasions, she has massages and facials, as well as having her hair done.
“The well-being part of the drop-in sessions give me a chance to relax,” she said.
“Coming to the sessions has helped me such a lot. It’s helped my husband too; he was a bit sceptical at first but he responded to the sessions so well, he often comes to get his hair cut too.
“One of the best things is, it’s not a medical appointment, instead, it’s a nice place to come, relax and do lovely things.
“I think it’s certainly worth other people giving it a go.”
While you must be living with a life limiting illness, you do not have to be a LOROS patient, or be known to the Hospice.
For more information on the drop-in sessions, or the ‘VIP Me’ event, visit loros.co.uk/VIPMe or call (0116) 231 8490 for an informal chat.
