Christine's story

“I would recommend the Hospice to anyone who is worried about coming here. The best care people can have.“ – Christine started, when we asked her about how she was feeling about staying on our ward.
 
Christine Tomlinson was diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer and referred to the Hospice from Pinderfields Hospital.
 
She explained: “After 11 doses of sepsis I had been admitted to Pinderfields in a very weak state. I was in bed for four weeks, and the examinations showed that my breast cancer returned. I was not in a condition to go home so I was referred to the Hospice. I was feeling awful when I got here, but they have been taking care of me so well and I’m feeling much better.”
 
Christine lives in Wakefield and is surrounded by her lovely family, her daughter, brother and sister-in law. She used to work in a big music shop in Leeds for 25 years and received the longest serving employee award. She was the first female member of the Rothwell Temperance Band playing the tenor horn.
 
We asked her about what other services she used whilst staying with us. She said: “I was given complementary therapy, Reiki treatment. It made me calm and relaxed. They come and ask what I want and offer me extra therapy treatments.”
 

She added: “They offered me to organise an afternoon tea party for my loved ones. I thought it was a wonderful idea. I invited my brother and four special friends. We had sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, brownies, all excellent food. My friends were over the moon about it. We took photos of the special moments. It was free of charge but we knew they have to raise money to run their services, so my brother donated some money which can cover more afternoon teas for other patients. Their care is really wonderful.”