A caring family man and football fan, Nigel was referred to City Hospice in September for specialist care and has benefitted from the charity’s wide array of services. A frequent supporter of City Hospice’s Forever Flowers, Nigel now shares his story and experiences in support of the charity’s Light up a Life appeal.
From his love for Cardiff City FC which began in childhood to helping homeless people as a senior support worker with the Wallich for 17 years, Nigel has been supporting his local community for most of his life.
Nigel was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a condition which affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, and gradually the muscles, in May this year. He was referred by his GP to City Hospice’s care in September, after hearing from a guest speaker from the MND Association at a meeting in Penarth, as well as friends, about how the charity could support him.
Nigel said: “Being referred to City Hospice has been so helpful. People don’t realise it’s not just for cancer; it’s for any life-limiting illness. Another assumption many people have is that a hospice is sad – and, of course, sometimes it is – but there’s also connection, laughter, and the gardens are beautiful. It changes what people expect.”
In addition to home-based specialist care, Nigel has benefitted from a wide range of services provided by City Hospice including counselling, reflexology, welfare administration, and events at the day hospice.
Nigel said: “You don’t think you need that support, but when it’s there, it’s everything. It’s like a big comfort blanket.
“My nurse Lynne helps with anything I need. She pushes things forward with the MND clinic, helps with medication, and getting in touch with the right teams. She’s a character and we always have a laugh. When Katie, the Welfare Officer, said she’d help me, it lifted such a cloud off me. She’s been marvellous at handling my Power of Attorney forms and sorting the Attendance Allowance. The reflexology I’ve had from Cheryl has been fantastic and my wife’s having it too!
“It’s not just practical and emotional support provided; it’s the social side too. I have been able to attend a Sports Café day hospice event which was fantastic. It’s nice talking to people who are going through something similar, even if it’s not MND. You can laugh, talk about sport and distract yourself.”
Nigel has supported City Hospice previously, buying Forever Flowers and visiting the display at Cardiff Castle every year in memory of his mother-in-law, father-in-law and sister-in-law. To raise awareness of the charity’s work, he has decided to share his story as a patient as part of the Light up a Light appeal this Christmas.
Nigel added: “You see a lot of scary stories online, especially about MND, but sharing real experiences helps people. If my story helps others to understand the incredible breadth of services City Hospice provides and encourages more people to access the support they need, that would be amazing.
“All of the support I have received has allowed me to focus on spending quality time with my wife, daughters and new granddaughter, and enjoy life with them.”
A donation made during the Light up a Life appeal will make a world of difference to a family facing terminal illness in the community. To donate, visit https://www.cityhospice.org.uk/get-involved/light-up-a-life/ or call 02920 524 150.
