Bryan was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and after two rounds of chemotherapy, he was really unwell. I took him into hospital on the Tuesday and when I went to visit a doctor advised that Bryan was dying. We both had no idea, it was such a shock. There was no compassion, I had just gone in for my hourly visit I was allowed at the time. I refused to leave, how could I leave the man I loved after being together for so many years? There was no way I was leaving him, not now, not ever. Bryan died on the Saturday just four days later and I was heartbroken. Just six weeks after getting ill he was no longer with me, it all happened so quickly.
After Bryan died I contacted my doctor and she recommended me to ring Dove House as she knew I enjoyed walking and they did a ‘Together in Grief’ walking group. I went along and straight away I felt I could talk and walk with friends. Next I joined the Welcome Wednesday Bereavement Café group which subsequently led to Friday Friends.
I had no idea you could access the groups when the person you lost hadn’t died at the hospice but you could. That very first session was daunting, I didn’t know what to expect but I have become such good friends with so many other people who have lost their partners. I love taking part in the crafts each time and the great company that I am surrounded with.