Doris' Story

Doris, aged 95, is a day therapy patient and has been accessing the Hospice’s services for just over two years, shortly after she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Doris shared a poem she recently wrote about coronavirus. We were delighted to speak with Doris to find out more about her life and what inspired her to write this incredible ode.

Doris has lived in Maidenhead for about 35 years and describes our day therapies services as ‘an absolute life-saver’ for her.

Doris says: “Because of my age, I decided not to have any treatment and let the cancer take its course.

“Thames Hospice has been absolutely fantastic. I can’t thank the Day Therapies Team enough; every single person is an angel.”

Not being able to attend day therapies during the first lockdown has been hard for Doris and our other day therapy patients.

Doris adds: “I really missed coming to day therapies when it had to close during the first lockdown and was so pleased when the service resumed in October at the new Hospice. Hopefully these current restrictions are just for a shorter period of time.

“I am really looking forward to the spring and summer months at the Hospice when I can sit or potter outside in the landscaped gardens.”

Doris left college at 16 and worked as a personal secretary to one of the buyers at Harrods. At 18 she took on a role based in London as a shorthand typist for the Royal Air Force during the war.

Doris says: “I had to sign the Official Secrets Act and was privy to some highly confidential work. It was very exciting!”

Doris’ husband sadly passed away 12 years ago shortly before their 60^th wedding anniversary. She added: “I don’t know how I have coped without my husband these past 12 years.”

Doris’ daughter lives nearby and she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as writing poetry. Doris is very modest about her talent for writing and inspired everyone at the Hospice when she shared her recent poem about the coronavirus with us.

Doris says: “I’m not a poet but I write about something when it deeply affects me.”

We are very honoured that Doris has given us permission to share her incredible work and hope she continues to inspire all of us with more of her brilliant poetry. Please click here to download Doris' poem.