Terry Pickering was born in the small mining town of Hemsworth. After leaving school, he explored a variety of professions before spending 33 years as a specialist bellows maker for tanks, planes, and submarines. Due to health issues, Terry took early retirement at 60.
As a person living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer, Terry came to the Hospice for support, where he received high-quality care. He said: “The Hospice is brilliant. The staff are all excellent. You can rely on them to do anything. If I ask for a cup of tea, it’ll be here within ten minutes.”
Terry was grateful for the comprehensive care the Hospice provided, particularly the physiotherapy, which made a significant difference in his life. John, our Physiotherapist, worked with Terry on physical exercises, including weights to keep his arm muscles strong. Terry said: “John’s helped me a lot with those weights. It’s stopped my arms from wasting away, and it’s given me back some independence to do things for myself.”
In addition to the arm exercises, John provided Terry with a breathing exercise device to help strengthen his lungs. Terry explained how the device helped him manage his breathing. “It’s been really helpful. I practice with it as much as I can to get stronger.”
Terry also spoke fondly of other members of the Wellbeing Team. With no family nearby, Jenny, the Wellbeing Support Worker, accompanied Terry for an afternoon tea. He said: “Jenny’s a lovely lady. She’s very attentive and will do anything to help. She keeps me stocked up with books and even had afternoon tea with me! That was brilliant. I especially loved the prawn sandwiches.”
Terry’s connection to the Hospice ran deep, as his wife used the Hospice for treatment for her lymphoedema.
For Terry, the Hospice not only provided expert care, but also friendship, support, and a chance to hold on to his independence and strength for as long as possible. He said: “You can relax at the Hospice, knowing you’re being well looked after.”
