CONTACT US DONATE Our Services Support us Events Cafe Retreat Volunteer/Work for us Shops and Furniture Warehouse RegularGiving Our Care Service user events Education Healthcare Profes­si­onals (referral forms) Philosophy of Care Personal stories Ann Dobson Dave Nightingale Rosemary Smith Eric Bolton Val Mullen Iain Moore Jackie Rigby Ian Edge Rabia Khonat Samuel Taylor Joyce Haworth Paula Helm Warren Wolstencroft Daniel Bentley Sarah Glover Marie Kitchen Sheenagh Scott Alan Bibby Karen Haddlesey Julie Walton Nicola Jayne Phelps Jakki Stone Laura Isherwood's story Linda Wykes Maddelina Swindlehurst Mohammed Malik John Taylor Veronica Threlfall Testimonials Our Services Personal stories John Taylor “I feel like I can talk openly and honestly because everyone is in the same boat”, says CAST member John Taylor. John, who has a type of blood cancer called Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), has attended the Creative and Support Therapy group for 18 months and said it has had a big impact on his mental wellbeing. He first attended the group after being referred from Christies following a bone marrow transplant. Speaking about his illness, John, 62, from Blackburn, said: “I was diagnosed years ago, but the symptoms didn’t really kick in until about 2011 when my immune system started failing. “I got sent to Christies for a clinical trial, I’ve had a bone marrow transplant and I’ve had two cycles of three different chemotherapy tablets. The doctors can’t stop it, but they are trying to slow it down.” He said: “I felt very down. I felt like things weren’t right and I was getting depressed so they sent me here for support. At first, I was a bit sceptical, but I got chatting with the other members and I feel like I can talk openly and honestly because everyone is in the same boat.” John now looks forward to his weekly visit to East Lancashire Hospice where he chats with familiar faces while learning new skills. He said: “At the group, we make things and I have learnt lots of new skills.” He has particularly enjoyed making a mosaic clock and has tried his hand at glass painting. “I have really got into it. I’m so glad I gave it a chance.” John also accesses the Hospice at Home service to help him live inde­pen­dently, and has enjoyed some of the compli­men­tary therapies on offer. He added: “I didn’t think Reiki would do any good but it was out of this world. I felt the benefits for days after. “They are so supportive here at the hospice. It definitely helps me coming here every Thursday. I don’t know what I would do without their support.” Share 0 Page updated 15th Dec 2020, 15:11 Strategy 2020 - 2023 History Partnership Privacy notice Terms of use Personal data Site map Contact us Site search © 2010–2021 East Lancashire Hospice Web design by Brick technology Ltd., 2018