Jean's Story
I was living in France when I was diagnosed with my cancer. The care they gave me there was wonderful – but I wanted to be back in Kent with my family.
Coming home was difficult. I was on my own having to try and find a place to live, and a job; juggling between hospital appointments in Maidstone. My new landlady – who also had cancer – told me about the ellenor and suggested I go. I arrived for my first session and, quite simply, they changed my life.
ellenor just took all my problems away. They said I could have my (frequent) blood tests there instead of queueing at the hospital. They helped me with all the forms when I was signed off work. But most importantly they helped me meet my friends – others who I met every Wednesday at the hospice, people who were going through what I was going through – and knew how I felt. I wasn’t alone, I had people around me who cared.
When the pandemic arrived ellenor just moved us all onto Zoom. It wasn’t the same, but it was still wonderful to see friendly faces each week. Now I’ve been invited back again and I’m so happy. I know I’ll see their smiling faces when I walk back through the front door again and the first thing they’ll do is to offer me a cup of tea. I can’t wait.
- Jean
