Connections Spring 2026 - Flipbook - Page 8
Sue’s Story
Sue, a retired saddler, has been keeping sheep for over 35 years.
“I used to work at the local vets, in the large animal section,”
she says. “When I left I really missed the animals, so I bought
a few lambs and it went from there.”
Sue was referred to Phyllis Tuckwell in
November 2020, by one of the Nurses who
was caring for her at Frimley Park Hospital.
“I have bone cancer,” says Sue, “and it
was spreading everywhere. The pain was
unbearable. My Breast Care Nurse suggested
Phyllis Tuckwell, to see if they could control
my pain.”
Sue was admitted to the In-Patient Unit at our
Hospice in Farnham.
“It all happened in about three days,” she
says. “They said can you come in now? – but
I told them I had to sort out the animals first!”
Sue stayed at the Hospice for just under three
weeks, while doctors there brought her pain
under control.
“It was glorious in there,” she says. “I
couldn’t fault them at all. They sorted the
pain out and really looked after me. The
Housekeeping staff would bring hot drinks,
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meals, crumpets, I didn’t want for anything!
I have a walk-in shower at home, but they’ve
got a big bath there, which was fantastic!
They would run it for me and I’d have a good
soak. They all wore PPE because of Covid,
but it didn’t make any difference at all, the
care they gave was still amazing. It felt
reassuring being there. It’s definitely where
I want to go when the end comes.”
After her pain was brought under control, Sue
was discharged from the Hospice and went
home. “They phone me about once a month
to see how I’m doing, and the Community
Nurses come out to visit me. The pain is
much better. I’m pretty much able to lead
a normal life again now. I still need to make
sure I don’t overdo things though. I’m very
independent. I’ve been up the field already
this morning and mucked out four sheep.
Going up there to feed and look after the
sheep is what keeps me going, really.”
