MEN in Worcestershire living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses are being invited to a special day to find out how a local hospice can help them live life to the full.

St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester is holding a Men’s Day on Saturday July 8 which is open to all males from south Worcestershire. They do not have to be currently involved with the hospice in Wildwood Drive to take part.

The relaxed, informal day includes optional activities such as Tai Chi, a cookery demonstration, complementary therapy and a guest speaker. Free refreshments and light lunch are provided.

Matt Jackson, from the hospice Family Support Team, said: “We hope the day will give men a chance to find out what the hospice has to offer them and the opportunity to give and find support from other men in a similar situation. The day will be enjoyable, full of laughter and focus on living well with their illness.”

Terry Tromans is living with advanced prostate cancer and is a member of the weekly Men’s Space group at St Richard’s.

He said: “I can understand there’s hesitation about coming to the hospice, but everyone is here for a similar reason. We get so much from each other. Even though the first step might be a really, really bold step - which for many people it is - the rewards far outweigh that step. You take one step and you don’t look back. It really is that good.

“Laughter is a key ingredient. If we are not chomping on cake or listening to a guest speaker, we can be found in the hospice’s wonderful garden taking in fresh air and participating in light gardening.

“There is also a chance to speak to a nurse if you would like too. This is why Men’s Space is so special to us, and a special place to come each week.”

Monty Wild, who also goes to Men’s Space, added: “It’s all about the chat, the banter and the way that we get on with each other. I did have the opinion that a hospice was literally a place for dying, but it isn’t. It’s about the help that I’ve had since my diagnosis and the help that everyone is given.”

Peter Symons encouraged people to go to the Men’s Day to help find out what hospice care really involves. He said: “Just like a lot of other people, I started out with the preconception that a hospice was where people came to die, but as soon as I started Men’s Space, I realised that it’s where you carry on living.”

Group members can be given support from other St Richard’s services if they think they will be helpful, including benefits advice, counselling, complementary therapies and time with specialist doctors and nurses.

To join Men’s Day the person must have a confirmed life-threatening diagnosis and a South Worcestershire GP. For more information or to request a place on Men’s Day, please call Matt Jackson on 01905 763963.

• St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their loved ones. Each year the hospice team supports over 3,000 patients, their loved ones and the bereaved in Worcestershire. It strives to provide the best medical, practical, emotional and social support it can to help people live life to the fullest, as independently as they can, for as long as they can.