Patient Nigel will be taking part in Rugby Ramble to help more men across North Devon access emotional support from the hospice.
A North Devon Hospice patient is taking part in the charity’s Rugby Ramble event, to help more men who are facing the impacts of a life-limiting illness to access emotional support.
Nigel Rayer, 61, from Buckland Brewer, has been receiving care from the hospice since 2016 after being diagnosed with cancer. As well as helping to relieve his physical symptoms through pain management and complementary therapies, hospice staff have also supported Nigel and his wife, Anita, emotionally at what continues to be a very difficult time.
“I think one of the biggest things that has made a real difference to me during my illness has been the counselling I’ve received from the hospice,” said Nigel. “Acknowledging the difficulty of the situation and talking things through with the counsellors, who are more like friends now, has really helped me see things differently and changed not only my perspective but my wife’s too.”
Despite his terminal illness, the couple will be taking part in Rugby Ramble as a way of saying thank you to the hospice and showing their support for other patients and families. “We try and take part in Rugby Ramble every year and always look forward to it,” said Anita. “It’s great to walk and chat in a group and watch a game of rugby together, all to fundraise for an amazing cause. You never think cancer is going to happen to you but having the hospice there is such a huge thing for us now – they’ve made a such difference.”
North Devon Hospice provides care for local people who are affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. As well as offering support at home, patients can also be admitted to their Bedded Unit when symptoms become more severe, for help with pain management and to make them feel as comfortable as possible when they need it most.
While emotional support from the hospice’s Supportive Care Team is available to every patient and family member who needs it, men are 50% less likely to access this support. Those at this year’s Rugby Ramble want to change this by taking on a sponsored 11-mile walk between Barnstaple and Bideford Rugby Clubs (with a shorter route also available) to raise awareness of men’s mental health and the impacts that loss can have.
Along the route, walkers can enjoy a free pasty and pints while sporting their free Rugby Ramble t-shirt before coming together at the end of the walk to watch the deciding Six Nations match between England and Ireland.
To help support more men like Nigel facing the impacts of a life-limiting illness, sign up for Rugby Ramble today at rugbyramble.co.uk
