Hospice changed my life for better

Barry Crossland, Elland

MY wife died in Overgate Hospice 10 years ago and what makes Overgate so special is the support that I received at the time and in the following months.

Whenever myself or relatives visited we received a warm welcome and an offer of a cup of tea or coffee.

I was provided with a bed when I stayed overnight on two occasions and next morning I received a cooked breakfast.

Losing my wife was the worst thing to happen in my life. I was 72 at the time and I thought it would be all down hill until I pegged out.

However, I did take up bereavement counselling provided by Overgate. The counsellor advised me of a bereavement group and it got me out of the house for a meal with other people in a similar position.

In chatting with my counsellor I discussed trying to fill this huge hole in my life. The counsellor was very supportive but decisions were down to me.

Eventually, I decided to try online dating. My thoughts were that I would be happier sharing my life with some lady, going out for meals or walks.

I never thought I would fall in love again in my 70s but I was extremely lucky. I met my new wife just over five years ago and we have now been married nearly four years.

The last five years have been some of the best in my life, as unlike my first marriage I do not have to worry about the 95 per cent mortgage, work and my children.

Overgate has helped tremendously to change my life for the better.

I am extremely grateful and will continue to support the organisation as long as I live. our town would help.

The journey down King Cross Lane into Halifax and the state of the central reservations opposite People’s Park is a disgrace.

The cutting back of the wild flower displays has revealed a huge amount of discarded assorted debris.

This unsightly scene does nothing to enhance the entrance to our town. Maybe the removal of the litter is hampered with a health and safety ruling by the council?

The wild flowers are a great way to fill the reservations and beneficial for our wildlife.

Let us hope they have the freedom to grow again and we can enjoy a litter free journey into Halifax.