Peter credits hospice with helping him to play guitar again
This week marks Hospice Care Week, an annual campaign by Hospice UK that celebrates and raises awareness for hospice care across the UK
Being You Centre patient at Moya Cole Hospice, Peter Goode has credited the hospice with helping him achieve some of his goals.
Peter has Parkinson’s disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and prior to diagnosis was an avid musician playing instruments such as the guitar, fiddle, and mandolin. He is also an avid singer.
“I used to be out nearly every night of the week,” Peter said. “Playing guitar, and singing in pubs which I haven’t been able to do for some time.
I’ve been trying to get back into playing, I’ve been learning to adapt with my condition and Moya Cole Hospice has helped me to persevere Peter Goode, Being You Centre Patient, Moya Cole Hospice
Peter attended the Breathing Space course at the Being You Centre and found it helpful. He also attended a social course called the Being Together Group and also found this helped him.
“At first I was very apprehensive about going to the social group but as it turned out I really enjoyed it. Chatting with people helps.”
Peter is now in the process of learning new songs to play and sing.
I also had a stroke which came to light following my Parkinson's diagnosis so I’ve just had to adapt the way I play. I was very rusty when I started playing again but I’m picking it back up again Peter Goode, Being You Centre Patient, Moya Cole Hospice
It was the last session that Peter attended at Moya Cole Hospice that was most significant which involved music and singing. He had not picked up a musical instrument in some time and had not felt able to sing but he played the guitar and sang along with the volunteer leading the session.
A staff member at Moya Cole Hospice said it was “so lovely to witness. It was a powerful moment of connection and self-expression, showing how music can bring so much joy,” they said.
Peter hopes to continue playing his instruments and singing while being able to adapt to his condition.