Testimonials
Margaret's Story
Margaret Byatt's husband Derrick was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1986 and was later looked after by St Peter & St James.
"My husband Derrick was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease when he retired in 1986. For many years his symptoms were controlled by medication and he was able to lead a normal life but during the last five years he gradually became totally dependant on me.
"I am indebted to all the staff and volunteers at St Peter & St James for providing the support we needed as his condition deteriorated, without which I do not believe I would have been able to care for Derrick at home.
"Initially he attended the Day Hospice on a Friday which gave me a much needed break and a little time to do the things most people take for granted. Derrick was a little reluctant to go at first but the kind people there soon became his friends and he particularly looked forward to his weekly games of scrabble. St Peter & St James always arranged his transport, sometimes by minibus but often by private car. He enjoyed his chats with the drivers and they too became good friends.
"We also appreciated being able to attend the services in the Chapel on a Thursday morning because Derrick felt comfortable amongst the others there in a similar predicament. They supported each other spiritually which was just as important as the physical support we received. When I had a cataract operation four years ago and was not able to look after him for a week, for the first time he made use of the respite facilities provided by St Peter & St James. This was really the beginning of St Peter & St James becoming a second home as I needed to rely on them more and more for respite care every three months or so.
"The Befrienders plus scheme gave us further support at home enabling me to go out in the knowledge that Derrick was in somebody else's capable hands which took away the strain of worrying that I would get home and find that he had had a fall and no one was there to help him. But it also gave him good mental stimulation as he enjoyed sharing his vast knowledge with them. Derrick went into the Hospice in-patient unit after Christmas 2006 for a week's respite care. At the end of that week he was too frail to return home and the wonderful nursing staff and doctors provided him with the best care which helped to make his final two weeks as comfortable as possible. The counselling service provided to me by St Peter & St James started several years ago and this helped me to prepare for the inevitable. The team are marvelous and I appreciate the continued support I receive from them now whenever I need it. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved at St Peter & St James and I know that Derrick would like to thank you too for all that you did for both of us - thank you so much."