Rhys is 18, and recently stayed with us for respite. In this video, Rhys compares the kebab shops of Llandysul with those of his hometown Swansea, and shares his thoughts on staying on top of a supremely challenging life-limiting illness through humour and positive thinking. This is one inspirational young man...
Stan shares his moving story: "The only time I can switch off is when Alyson is here. I don’t have to worry about her. I know she’s happy and contented. That means a lot to me. It’s given me peace. Somewhere to relax, knowing that’s there’s another purpose in life."
"Patient-centred care is about being the patient, yourself. It’s about identifying yourself with that patient. So it’s about having that incredible sensitivity. That is what transforms people. That’s what a patient says is a tangible experience of love when they come through the door of the hospice. That’s half the battle done."
Find out what motivates Dr Damitha Ratnasinghe, consultant paediatrician, to volunteer his spare time caring for patients at Skanda Vale Hospice.
Chris Thomas recently joined us for respite at the hospice. Here's what he had to say about the food, the carers... and the elephant.
Sue Austen-Drennan has been a patient at our day care centre for a short time, and kindly agreed to share her thoughts on the hospice experience so far...
"People tell us all sorts of nonsense, you know – that we're angels – which we’re not at all. But people are overwhelmed by the love that somehow just flows so easily here."
"I have tried to explain to so many people what this feeling is like here. And I can’t. There isn’t words to describe it." – Brandon Utley
"It’s renewed my faith in human nature. It really has... I’ve discovered here a vein of humanity that is very, very special" – Peter Butler.
A hospice patient talks about the pros and cons of being cared for at home, about mutual support from other patients, and the power of human warmth and compassion.
