The remarkable friendship forged between two women at East Cheshire Hospice is at the heart of the charity's latest fundraising appeal. Linda Picken-Broom and Jean Marshall first crossed paths when their husbands, Alan and Jean's David, were referred to the hospice from hospital, both battling pulmonary fibrosis.
From Strangers to Close Friends
Their journey from complete strangers to inseparable friends is chronicled in 'More Good Days', a campaign spotlighting the services of the Sunflower Living Well Centre. The two women hope that by sharing their deeply personal experiences, they can inspire others to donate and support the hospice's vital work.
Linda and Jean both admit that they would have struggled to cope without the Sunflower Centre, which provided their husbands with emotional support, confidence, and a sense of connection. But it also gave the wives something they never anticipated: a lasting friendship that has helped them navigate life after loss, knowing they are not alone.
A Meeting That Changed Everything
The two couples met in 2024 when dropping off their husbands for a weekly course designed to address fatigue, anxiety, and breathlessness. Alan and David, despite initial reservations, quickly bonded. They also participated in a wellbeing programme, gaining far more from the services than they had ever expected.
David, a metallurgist with Bodycote in Macclesfield, passed away in January at the age of 83. Jean fondly remembers how the centre became a highlight of their week. "The centre quickly became something to look forward to every week," she said. "We viewed it as a second home. On a Tuesday, David was up and ready early, eager to go. The two men clicked. They were like two naughty schoolboys in a class."
Shared Experiences and Support
Alan, a telecommunications specialist and keen marathon runner and deep-sea diver, died a year ago at the age of 81. While the men were together, their wives talked openly about their fears, frustrations, and the realities of caring for someone with a life-limiting illness. Linda shared: "Alan used every service the hospice could offer - the Sunflower Centre, the in-patient unit and on his last night Hospice @Home. It was his wish to die at home. From the day Alan died, Jean messaged me every day. Our friendship wouldn't have happened without the centre."
Jean reciprocated with equally frequent messages of support when Linda lost Alan six months later. Linda reflected: "I always say they taught him to live while he was dying." The women also found their own support at the centre. Linda received complementary therapies to help her unwind and pre-bereavement counselling to prepare for what was coming. Jean was supported with massage and wellbeing sessions that helped her process everything she was facing.
A Club You Belong To
Jean summed up the centre's significance: "The Sunflower Centre is like a club you belong to." The 'More Good Days' appeal aims to raise funds to ensure that more families can experience the compassionate care and support that Linda and Jean received. To donate, visit the East Cheshire Hospice website.
