When I turned up, I was pretty depressed. I was in a lot of pain. I was exhausted. As the week has gone on, I’ve found that my mood has lifted considerably, that my pain has been addressed.

The only schedule was one I put on myself. I decided when I woke up, I decided when I wanted my dinner. The problem is you’ve already got used to it, and you don’t want it to stop!

I discovered the craft room, which to somebody like me who loves anything artistic, is like an Aladdin’s cave. And I loved having the live entertainment come in to play for us.

But the highlight for me was definitely going out. Having guidance and not feeling unsafe. Knowing that those who’d gone with me were able to look after me should anything happen.

The ashram is actually very, very welcoming; the opportunity to get out and experience the ashram, meeting Valli [the elephant]. Those sessions were really special to me because they opened up my spirituality. I found them just really precious moments. The calm here and the peacefulness.

I just realise how fortunate I am. There are so many people who don’t have this opportunity, and I’ve been lucky. I just want other people to get to experience it, because it does make things — in my case, cancer — easier to deal with. It really does.

My depression has lifted considerably. I still take my antidepressants, but not having to have a chemical intervention — just having people that want to help, in an environment that is suitable.

It’s no good treating the body if you don’t treat the mind as well.