In part six of our series celebrating the 25th anniversary of EllenorLions Hospice, ABIGAIL FOULKES finds out more about its day care facilities and complimentary services.

Anne-Marie Holland says she is beginning to feel human again after the support she has received from the hospice's day care service.

She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma two years go, just four years after her husband Stephen died of bowel cancer.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, the network of glands and channels which occurs throughout the body.

Anne-Marie, 58, began going to the hospice six months into her chemotherapy, and found its work “amazing”.

The mother-of-two said: “I was given the same nurse that cared for my husband when he was ill, and that made me feel really comfortable.

“You don’t feel like a patient when you’re in there. You start to feel human again, and have freedom to do what you want.”

Every Tuesday Anne-Marie, of St Edmunds Road, Temple Hill, is picked up by a volunteer driver and is taken to the hospice in Northfleet for a hot meal and a range of services.

She is with the same group of patients each week and enjoys being able to talk to people who are in a similar situation to herself.

The former office manager, who has one grandson, added: “I’ve got to know people so well that it’s like being part of a big family. I eat lunch with friends and have a glass of wine. You don’t feel like you’re ill.

“The facilities the hospice provide are so unique. We have a hairdresser, a chiropodist, and a beauty therapist who come in and pamper us. It really is so lovely, and it’s all complimentary.”

The hospice also offers a range of activities for the patients to take part in, such as basket weaving, embroidery, knitting and making cards, which the hospice then sell to raise much needed funds.

It also supports families with complimentary counselling, an aspect Anne-Marie’s sons, who both live in Dartford, have found useful.

As well as providing emotional support, the hospice gives practical information on financial issues and help on filling out paperwork.

Anne-Marie said: “When you’re a cancer sufferer you feel alone a lot of the time, but within half an hour of being at the hospice, you feel so much better.

“They help you in so many ways and make you feel at peace.

“From the volunteers, to the nurses, to the ward staff, they all make you feel so cared for.

“They are complete angels, and I don’t know where I’d be without them.”

EllenorLions' day therapy provides an individual programme of care for patients.

It aims to improve quality of life and promote ongoing support for their families.

Patients are able to access a course of complementary services, including massages and manicures, and staff organise activities and crafts in a safe and relaxing environment.

All the facilities, meals and transport are provided free of charge to patients and their families.

For more information on the day care service, call 01474 320007 or visit lionshospice.co.uk