Local resident Martin Wood channelled his grief into creativity with the help of East Lancashire Hospice East Lancashire Hospice, turning his lifelong dream of becoming a published author into reality.

I became consumed by grief, before channelling my emotions into writing – Martin’s Story

A devastated husband has transformed his grief into creativity, with the support of East Lancashire Hospice.

Martin Wood, 56, saw life take a tragic turn when his wife Chloe faced severe complications during her pregnancy.

While Chloe initially showed signs of recovery, she died just seven months after giving birth to baby Addison.

Martin, who lives in Clayton Le Moors, had a friend direct him to East Lancashire Hospice where he could get the help he needed.

Martin said,

“The day-to-day was grinding me down, and especially at night once I’d put my daughter to bed, because that’s when you start overthinking.”

The Hospice provided Martin with counselling services that became a crucial part of his healing process.

Hazel Booth, Head of Support and Wellbeing Therapies at the Hospice, offered him a safe space to express his emotions, helping him work through his grief and find a new direction in life.

Martin said,

“I’m not someone who talks much, but every session with Hazel made me feel more at ease,”

“The Hospice became my focal point, something to look forward to during my darkest times.”

Inspired by his journey and the need to channel his emotions, Martin turned to writing. He had always dreamed of becoming an author but had lacked the confidence to pursue it.

Through his sessions at the Hospice, he found the courage to put pen to paper and published his first book.

Martin said,

“Writing gives my brain somewhere else to go,”

“It’s been a way to escape reality and process my grief in a creative way. I’m thankful for East Lancashire Hospice for helping me start this journey.”

East Lancashire Hospice provides support to those who have experienced loss within the last three years, are registered with a GP in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn or Ribble Valley and are aged 18 years or over. In some circumstances where there has been an existing link with the hospice the service may be available for those aged from 16 years.

For more information on East Lancashire Hospice and the services they provide, visit eastlancshospice.org.uk.

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