Almost 10years ago our family was thrown into disarray, my dad was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease.   This came as a complete and utter shock to us all.

He confined himself to his room for 2 weeks, trying to come to terms with what his future would entail.

Dad and mum started going to a Neuro Group which is held every other Monday at St. Joseph's Hospice.  This is a group that has been set up for people who have neurological illnesses.  At first they were both very sceptical about attending the group because of the stigma that a "hospice" has but after their first session there, which was filled with many tears they decided that it would be a positive support group for them both.  In time we took turns to go with dad and sometimes my children would go too.  

At this group they have volunteers that give the patients and carers complementary treatments such as massage, and reflexology.  Also, it gives the members,  patients and carers, an opportunity to share their own personal experiences with each other.

My dad now goes into hospice for respite every 3 months and the staff there have been absolutely amazing.  They are very attentive to all his needs, caring and compassionate!  

St Joseph’s Hospice opened in Hackney in 1905, and since then has been caring for and supporting people affected by serious illness in eight London boroughs. We work to improve the quality of life of more than 2,100 patients with life-limiting conditions each year, helping them live life to the full, to the very last. We have to raise £19,000 each day to keep our vital services running and available to the 2.2 million people in our diverse community, so every penny raised for our hospice is really important, and very much appreciated.