Twelve years later and the Hospice still supports me

Jan Hayzelden’s mother Ethel was cared for by Saint Francis Hospice before she died in 2011. Here Jan shares why she looks forward to the Walk On group which is open to patients, families and loved ones who have been cared for by the hospice.

I joined the Walk On group last year after my retirement gave me the time to do so.  I was apprehensive at first because it had been a long time since I lost my beloved mum. I thought that for others their loss would be more recent and I might not fit in.  How wrong I was, everyone in the group was so welcoming and I soon realised time doesn't matter. We all have one thing in common and sharing memories of my mum, for me, is very comforting.

What I hoped I would gain from joining the group outweighed my apprehension. A reason to get up and do something, meeting people, having someone to talk to who may be feeling the same as me, a form of exercise and support from staff who run the group if I have any questions.

Jan with her mum, Ethel

The exercise from the walk makes me feel good and sets me up for the day which has had a huge impact on my mental health. I now do some form of exercise daily. Talking to people, sharing things I do, or can't do since losing my mum, which I thought were 'not normal' I found others do the same. New friendships on the walk and extending these to going for coffee and cake afterwards with those that want to.

Anniversaries are still very hard for me. To be able to talk about these times and hear what others do to help them get through gives me ideas to plan for the future.

There are no expectations.  You can be how you are feeling that day whether it be a quiet walk and using the time to think about things, make plans in your head or chat, laugh, get/give support from/to your fellow walkers if needed.

For me, the walk is like going on a tour each month.  We all feel the weather, breathe in the fresh air, see the lovely views, benefit from the exercise and talk (if you want) to each other.  But, I experience and take something different and personal from each tour as I'm sure do others.