A WILSDEN mum battling a terminal illness has spoken of how hospice day therapy sessions have provided a lifeline.

Nicola Bell, 50, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer a year ago, began attending the sessions at Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands – although initially she was unsure whether to go along.

"To be honest when I was asked if I'd be interested I didn't really think it was my sort of thing," says Nicola, who lives with her 18-year-old daughter Ruby and dog Bryan.

"I’m lucky that I have close family and lots of friends to support me. I am also very independent, so I’d already planned for everything.

"But I decided I would go along, and it was such a good decision.

"One of the sessions went through what benefits you’re entitled to, how to write a will and things like that, which I thought was really helpful. When I first got diagnosed I was so desperately ill I would have found it hard to do all those things by myself. Fortunately a friend was there to help me, but I know a lot of people won't have that same support.”

For Nicola it wasn't her first experience of the care and services provided by Manorlands.

Her father received end-of-life care there in 2016.

"He was only there for 24 hours but as soon as I arrived and sat down in his room the weight just lifted from my shoulders," she says.

"I didn’t know at the time that the hospice offers so many different services.

"The day therapy group I went to was fun and we had a laugh, which is not what I expected. You are with like-minded people in the same situation as you.

"We had cups of tea, learned about mindfulness and had hand massages, and I was given an aromatherapy pack to help with my chemo.

"Being at the hospice just felt safe and comfortable. My dad never told us what his wishes were, so I have made sure everyone knows mine – even down to the songs I want at my funeral.

"I honestly don’t think people realise this support is available. You may have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, but you still need to live.

"I would recommend the day therapy sessions to anyone."

For further information about the sessions and other Manorlands services, contact the hospice on 01535 642308.