Reuben Hingley, a training officer at the Trafford Centre, first came into contact with St Ann’s last year while recovering from surgery for cancer of the tongue.
Reuben, who lives in Manchester city centre was initially referred to St Ann’s for lymphoedema treatment. He then also started receiving care from the hospice’s physiotherapy team to improve the range of movement in his shoulder.
Reuben says: “I was referred to St Ann’s by Macmillan for lymphoedema treatment to reduce swelling on my neck.
“The treatment was amazing, but until then I didn’t realise what a hospice was about so my family were slightly concerned.
“I also mistakenly thought the hospice was part of the NHS and didn’t realise St Ann’s needs to raise £20,000 a day to keep running, relying heavily on volunteers.
“I also saw that care isn’t just treatment. It’s guidance, support and conversation. I finished the physio on my neck and arm in January and it was incredible.”
One appointment he could not miss was his marriage to Julia on his 48th birthday in September 2021. Treatment left him struggling to speak temporarily, but thankfully he could take his vows.
Adds Reuben: “I was more than happy to share my story in a video to promote the new hospice and the plans look unbelievable.
“There’ll be 21 en-suite bedrooms with access to private outdoor terraces. The hustle and bustle of wards can sometimes be a little overwhelming and if you’ve got visitors you’ll have your own quiet space.
“To have that privacy is amazing, especially as for some it’s end-of-life care.
“The trouble with older buildings is they weren’t built for what you now do, so with modernisation you’re just papering over the cracks and it’s new facilities which are required.
To support the St Ann’s Build It Together appeal, click here.
