Layne’s Story

The passing of a loved one can have a devastating impact and for one man in particular he was able to cope thanks to the care and support that Hospice of the Valleys was able to offer him and proved to be a vital lifeline.

As an only child Layne’s mother, Pat, was his life and they were extremely close.  Pat lived next door to Layne and although she loved her own independence Layne visited at least three times a day.

One day while visiting his Mum Layne became concerned and following tests he received the devastating news that his Mother’s prognosis was terminal and no treatment was available.  Layne was asked if he wanted support from the Hospice and at that point he had never heard of the charity or what we did, but he was relieved to be offered some help.

Pat was initially cared for at Layne’s home where she went to live following her discharge from Hospital, being visited by the nurses, physiotherapist and complimentary therapist.  The Family Support Team also offered support as Layne was reaching breaking point and struggling to come to terms with his mother’s prognosis.

“The Family Support Officer was like a therapist and seemed to be able to answer all my questions and what he said made sense, he could feel and understand what I was going through. I felt close to the edge and in a really bad place but he encouraged me to attend Activate your Life sessions at the Hospice, this helped me to look at things in a different light, I was unable to change what was happening but learned to look at things in a different light and live for today.  This put me in a better place to accept what was going to happen. I knew I wasn’t on my own, he really helped me and I can’t praise him enough” says Layne.

Pat passed away in January 2019 and although devastated by his loss the support that Layne received from the Hospice has enabled him to cope.

“The Hospice gave me the help and support I needed when there was no one else that I could turn to.  I knew the Hospice were behind me 100% and for what they did I can’t thank them enough.  People should have an insight into how my life was turned upside down and they helped put me back together again.  They gave me the confidence to look after Mam giving us special time together.”