Living Well Service: Worthing hospice's creative writing course inspires Rustington mum to share personal letter

Heather Rowlands, 58, has appreciated the creative writing sessions run by Chris Harris at St Barnabas House hospice in Worthing.

Tasked with penning a letter to a very special person, Heather chose to write to her husband and shared her work with the group.

When another patient said it would be a privilege to receive such a heartfelt message, it made Heather think and she eventually decided to post the letter to her husband so he could read it while she was alive.

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Heather said: "I’ve got endometrial cancer, a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the uterus. After I was told that there was nothing more that could be done, I found myself getting very depressed.

"Stopping chemotherapy was a big thing for me and I was missing being around people who understood what I was going through.

"Now, thanks to the hospice, I have a new community of people to connect with and I no longer feel as alone. By writing things down on paper, it helps me to make sense of the thoughts spinning around my head and I get more of an idea of what I want out of life.

"If I choose to, I can read out what I have written to other people in the group and I’ve found sharing experiences with others really helpful. The group is so supportive and we take strength from each other.”

Patients are guided through writing exercises based on a different theme each week and are free to interpret the topics as they choose.

Heather said: "I hope that by reading my letter, others in a similar situation might find some comfort in it or think about doing something similar for a loved one.”

Hospice staff said the emotional impact of a life-limiting diagnosis can be difficult and frightening but the care provided at St Barnabas House includes the Living Well Service, helping to boost patients’ happiness and wellbeing through a wide range of activities, including creative writing.

Chris, one of the counsellors, said: "It’s not about perfect grammar or learning to write a novel. It’s a supportive and safe space where patients can enjoy the process and creativity of writing and perhaps find new ways to express themselves during a difficult time in their lives.”

Heather's letter to a very special person

You are my husband, my friend, and my confidant. Somehow you have always been there for me for the last thirty-odd years. You’ve held me whilst I’ve cried and laughed with me through the years.

Your absorbent shoulders are getting quite soggy lately, but still, you say I’m beautiful and that you love me. No matter how many times I’ve tried to push you away, you have always stood firm.

I need you to accept my mortality. I will die before you, but you need to be strong – the kids and grandchildren will need your strength and I know they will in turn give you theirs.

You need to find a way to still be happy, go out on your bike with your camera, cry when you need to. Seek help if you need it, don’t be ashamed to say you can’t do it on your own.

I will stay with you in your heart and only want the best for you. If you find love again, take it, just remember what we’ve had. I’ll always be grateful for the life we’ve shared. I hope you and the children have fun happy lives and remember my love surrounds you all like a blanket, I am always hugging you all and surrounding you all in love.

Heather