Personal Experiences
Ian’s Story
Ian Butler, aged 53, sadly lost his wife, Janet, to cancer in July 2007. Through this difficult time in his life, Ian found comfort and friendship in the Cancer Support Centre at Sheffield’s Weston Park Hospital.
Ian and Janet first spotted the centre near Weston Park Hospital’s car park when they were early for an appointment. They decided to have a look inside and met the friendly staff. After a cup of tea and a chat the couple were told to call in again if they ever wanted to.
Some time passed and Janet’s condition had got worse. During a chemotherapy session at Weston Park Ian realised he desperately needed someone to talk to.
“By this time I didn’t know which way to go, I was in a mess. I had to do something.
How I got from the hospital to the support centre I don’t know, I was in a whirl.”
When Ian arrived at the door of the support centre he was greeted by the centre manager, Karen Holmes. From that day on, Ian continued visiting the centre. He built strong bonds with the staff and found consolation in the support and advice given to him.
“If we hadn’t found this place I don’t know what I would have done. It’s my bolt hole.”
Karen introduced Ian to the carer’s course run by the Cancer Support Centre. At first Ian was reluctant to attend the course but with a little persuasion from Karen he eventually gave it a try. After he had gained so much from the course, Ian wished he had joined sooner.
“I’m glad I did it. I enjoyed it”
The part of the course he found most beneficial was the communication session. Ian and Janet had previously had a bad experience with an insensitive consultant at the hospital. After the communication session at the carer’s course, Ian had the confidence to question professionals and became more assertive.
Other topics covered in the carer’s course programme include: coping with stress and anxiety, healthy eating and low appetites, coping with tiredness, benefits advice and holiday planning.
Ian found talking to other people on the course in a similar situation to himself to be constructive. He soon found someone who shared his interests such as walking in the countryside.
Karen Holmes took Ian’s hobbies and interests into account when he wanted to give something back to the centre. Ian is a keen photographer and has captured pictures of daffodils to brighten up the ‘daffodil room’ in the support centre.
When Janet passed away, the donations from the funeral were given to the Cancer Support Centre as she had wished. Both Janet and Ian wanted to show their appreciation for all the help and support the centre have given to them and continue to give.
Karen wanted to use the donation to buy something that combined both Janet and Ian’s interests. As Janet enjoyed craft work, Karen bought a printer for photo’s taken in the centre which can also be used in craft activities.
Ian still drops into the support centre whenever he feels down or needs to see a friendly face to talk to. He hopes other people can benefit from it as much as he has.
“This place keeps me going. I can’t sing the praises of the centre enough. It’s just special.”