Former youth worker and aspiring writer David Williams, 38, says being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour has transformed his outlook on life. And, with the support of our Living Well nurses and therapists, he is determined to make the most of the time he has left.  

The dad-of-two said: “My diagnosis has given me a sense of clarity that I never had before. I can no longer afford to live on other people’s time and there’s a freedom to say how I feel that is liberating.  

“When I first made contact with the Hospice I wasn’t aware of all the services they offer. I initially signed up for the six-week Wellbeing Course and I really enjoyed it. It gave me somewhere to come that wasn’t the hospital and although most of the other people who come here are older than me, it reminds me of the close relationship I had with my Nan, so it creates an atmosphere that feels like being with family.  

“Everyone is really friendly and from the moment you come through the door you feel at ease. Everyone knows your name and who you are. You are not solely defined by your condition.   

“When I first started experiencing signs that something might be wrong, being a single man I ignored them. Living on my own, there was no one there to ask if I was okay, or to tell me to do something about it. Here, you are made to feel that you are important, that you are a person who matters.  

“Since coming here, I’ve had Shiatsu massage and reflexology and come along to the horticulture sessions and neurological support group. It keeps my brain active and gives me other things to think about and do. I don’t want to just sit indoors. For me now, every interaction has a purpose and I’m constantly thinking what can I take from this and what can I give to this. I’ve got a totally different outlook on life, how I interact with people and the energy I put out there.  

“The conversations I am able to have here are helping me to make sense of life in a way I wasn’t before. It’s made me appreciative of the small things and it’s made me more comfortable with my end-of-life.  

“I know I’m unlikely to get to my 40th birthday; my story isn’t written yet, it’s just that its conclusion has been brought forward. But I’m not so afraid of the next part of the journey because I know I don’t have to do it alone.”