Tim's Story
I’ve always been a bit funny about death, I couldn’t talk about it for many years. But thanks to Farleigh I found I could finally say what I wanted and explain how I felt.
I’m Tim Carter, I’m a COPD sufferer and I was born with Bronchial pneumonia. I also have breathing and heart problems, as well as asthma bronchitis and have spent 75 percent of my life in and out of hospitals. When my doctor said she wanted to refer me to Farleigh Hospice, the first thing I thought of was cancer and dying.
I said I’m not ready to die, I’m not ready to go, I’ve still got life in me. She then explained to me it wasn’t like that, it’s about helping you to live better. I must be honest I went home and I cried my eyes out, frightened to death.
I decided to give Farleigh a go and from day one my life changed. Everybody is so nice. As soon as the door opens the friendliness and the warmness greets you from the handy-man changing the bulbs, to the cleaner to the receptionist. You come here to live and that’s what it’s made me do.
I attend several courses including Easibreathe. I love these classes, we practice breathing techniques, have a chat, laugh and sing, which is something I love to do. I also come here to learn how to draw, I have always wanted to draw but never got round to it. I now put my pictures into frames and give them to people, even my own doctor!
Farleigh also looks after my wife.She attends pamper days, where they make a fuss of her with massages and manicures.
Every other week I have counselling, it helps me work through problems and be more accepting of things. It just sometimes helps to talk to someone and bring out things that have built up over the years.
Every time I come here I eat in the café. I love the food, it’s second to none. It’s all freshly cooked every day, and you couldn’t cook it yourself for what it costs.
I now have an end of life care plan and a Will. I’ve always been a bit funny about death, I couldn’t talk about it for many years. But thanks to Farleigh I found I could finally say what I wanted and explain how I felt. I have decided that I am coming to Farleigh when the time comes. I know Farleigh is going to look after me, and I’ve no problems with that. I feel very confident and very happy that I know where I’m going when things get bad.
