Meet Helen…
Helen first came to Primrose Hospice in 2009 for specialist physiotherapy following breast cancer surgery. After being clear for ten years, her health began to decline again, and she found herself gravitating back to Primrose.
About two and a half years ago, she was referred to Primrose Hospice by Macmillan—through Ange at the Alexandra Hospital for additional support.
At the time, Helen was dealing with significant issues with her leg and foot, and her mental health was at a low point. After an assessment with our Clinical Nurse Specialist – Mel, she joined our 12 week Living Well programme and then went onto join Living Well groups, like art, craft and tai chi.
Listen to Helen talking about her Primrose journey below:
Primrose has helped Helen reclaim a part of herself. After returning from Spain in late 2022, believing she had little time left, Helen wanted to spend her remaining time with her son. Two and a half years later, she’s still here—and in a much better place, thanks to the support she’s found at Primrose.
Helen wanted to give back to Primrose, so she got involved with fundraising. In 2024, she and her son participated in the first Primrose Memory Walk, raising around £1,200. This year, she stepped up her fundraising and organised several events for our GO YELLOW campaign, including a craft stall at the Primrose tea party, a sound bath and a family quiz night. These events raised an incredible £2,800 for Primrose Hospice.
She always encourages people to come and visit Primrose and see what it’s all about. “It’s like when I worked in the prison service. You see a wall or a gate, but you don’t know what goes on behind it until you step inside.”
Before Dr Douglas’ retirement, she spoke to him and shared that at one point, she felt like her only reason for living was her son. But now, thanks to the kindness and care she’s received—from people like Mel, Dawn, Lil, Alison, Jane, and Dr. Douglas at Primrose—she’s found another reason to carry on.
Thank you Helen, for sharing your story and for raising vital funds for Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre.
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