Patient & family stories

Pete’s story

Pete lives with late-stage pulmonary fibrosis and was encouraged by his doctor to try Living Well at the hospice – a free service supporting people affected by life-limiting illness through creative activities, social connection and specialist care. He and his wife, Heather, decided to come along together, something that would soon make a real difference to Pete’s wellbeing.

The positive impact of art

“I was in a depression before I came here,” Pete said. “Living Well has really helped.”

Art has been part of Pete’s life since childhood. He loved drawing at school and later worked as a painter and decorator. In retirement, he has had more time to paint again, and it has become a real source of comfort during his illness.

“Painting relaxes me,” he said. “I’m in my own little world. Stress free.”

At home, he has a shed built especially for painting. “I can sit out there for hours,” he said. “It’s my happy place.”

Pete recently painted two beautiful VE Day pieces for Remembrance Day, now framed and proudly displayed in the Living Well lounge. Pete also gifts his artwork to others, asking for a donation to Katharine House in return.

“If you’ve got the chance to attend Living Well, come and try it. It’s a wonderfully supportive group to be part of. ” Pete

Finding community at the hospice

Helping others discover painting has been especially rewarding for him. “I’ve taught some painting classes to the other patients here at Living Well,” he said. “It’s great to see people doing their own thing and giving it a go. You might think that you can’t paint, but anybody can. My art teacher at school used to tell me there are no mistakes in art, just happy accidents. If you go wrong, just make it part of the picture!”

The sense of community at Living Well has also been a huge source of support.

“I enjoy the social side and the company,” he said. “It’s good to talk to different people in the same boat. Even if we’ve all got different conditions, it helps to hear how others are coping.”

Practical and specialist support

The practical support has helped Pete and Heather at home too. “Lisa, the Occupational Therapist, helped me get a wheelchair, shower stool and toilet seat, they’ve made a real difference. And Hannah, the nurse, keeps a check on my medical records, which is very reassuring.”

Reflecting on his time at Living Well, Pete said, “It’s helped lift me out of my depression. I get so much out of the sessions; the staff and volunteers are amazing and will do anything to help you. If you’ve got the chance to attend, come and try it. It’s a wonderfully supportive group to be part of.”

Find out more about the services that Living Well can provide to support your wellbeing here at the hospice.

Please help us help people like Pete

It is thanks to the donations of our wonderful supporters that we’re able to continue providing care to people affected by life-limiting illnesses and their families, helping them make the most of the time they have left and create quality memories with their loved ones. If you would like to make a donation, please click on the button below.

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Katharine House Hospice

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