Thames Hospice has also been able to provide comfort to Maureen’s beloved husband Geoff, who says her accessing Paul Bevan Welling Centre does him good because he knows she’s getting to spend time doing what she wants. The activities Maureen’s able to take part in at the Hospice also give her inspiration for crafting at home, which she loves.
Geoff, 93, explains: “What Thames Hospice offers is important for loved ones, as well as patients. It’s a happy place and the people there turn you around. Going to the Day Therapy sessions has certainly changed Maureen’s state of mind. And it gives me peace of mind too, knowing she has something to look forward to.
“I was smitten with Maureen from when we first started writing weekly letters to each other back in the early 1950s. I came home from Egypt to the UK in May 1954 and proposed to her that September. We married on New Year’s Day 1955 and I’d asked if we could do it then so I’d never forget our anniversary! We’ve always worked at our marriage and done a lot of things and travelling together. Our family has always come first.”
Maureen and Geoff are very close to their five children; twins Bridget and Andrew, Chris, Tracey and Mathew, and Bridget now cares for Maureen, driving her to the Hospice each week.
Maureen says: “I don’t like to think what it would be like if I didn’t have access to the Hospice. It’s like a home from home for me and I really don’t know what we’d do without it. All the staff are so lovely and they work so hard. Being able to access Day Therapy Services makes me feel like I’m in this together with others. There’s always a warm welcome, and you feel at home right from when you see the ladies on the main reception. Thames Hospice is a place with lots of laughter, you don’t see a lot of tears.
“When I retired I knew I wanted to volunteer in some way and I had training at the Hospice to visit people in the local community. I was able to support people in Windsor providing some companionship, and I loved it.
“If I reached a stage where I needed to go into the Hospice I would never worry about it. It’s actually where I’d like to be. It also makes things so easy for your family and friends. I hope that when my times comes I will be able to go there.
“I’m not frightened of dying. If I knew I was going into the Hospice I’d feel prepared. Thames Hospice is like a second home for me and it’s the icing on the cake for me, knowing that they’re completely behind me.”