Meet Shirley and Sid

Shirley’s Husband, Sid, has suffered from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) for more than 20 years and was first referred to Dougie Mac by his respiratory consultant.

Shirley explained, “Sid’s first reaction was that Dougie Mac is a place for people with cancer who are dying, but I said ‘let’s give it a go’ and I’m so glad we did because we’ve never looked back.

“Sid’s condition means that he’s not very mobile now and struggles with his breathing, and because he’s not very active, fluid can build up in his lungs and turn into an infection. When he was referred to Dougie Mac we were invited to join some of the Wellbeing Groups, including the ‘Light Activities’ group which includes some gentle exercises.

“They have made such a difference to Sid’s health. He’s not very good at doing his exercises when we’re at home, but in the Group he’s motivated to join in because everyone else is taking part. He also enjoys playing carpet bowls, which gets him up and moving around, and we often stay for the singing group where he joins in with every song and sings his head off. Even his respiratory nurse has noticed the improvement in him.    

“We go to the Wellbeing Groups most Mondays and Tuesdays now and we’ve made some really great friends. The friendship and company is worth its weight in gold and although everyone there is facing their own challenges, there is never any moaning. Everyone gets along and has a chat, it’s very light-hearted and at times it gets very competitive when we’re doing quizzes or playing bowls.  

 “The Wellbeing staff are amazing too, so lovely and friendly, they invited me to stay with Sid, which I was reluctant to do as I didn’t want to take the place of someone else who needed it, but they insisted I was welcome and so now we both go. Nothing is too much trouble for them and we have a really good laugh and joke. Everyone has such a caring and enthusiastic attitude.

“During the Winter months the Groups gave us an incentive to get up and go out, when previously we wouldn’t have done anything. As a small thank you for the amazing support we’ve received I’ve made up some hampers which were raffled off at Christmas and raised more than £200 for Dougie Mac. I’m now working on some Easter baskets. I’m so glad we gave the Wellbeing Groups a go after Sid’s initial reluctance, they’ve really made a huge difference to us and the support and friendship is priceless.”