Canterbury Resident Embraces Holistic Hospice Care After Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
Lawrence Fox, a 68-year-old former construction manager originally from London who has lived in Canterbury for 27 years, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024. Following the start of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, he was referred by his specialist nurse to Pilgrims Hospices for additional support. Lawrence has since experienced the comprehensive benefits of hospice care through various wellbeing activities and therapies.
Mindfulness and Mental Strength in Hospice Support
Lawrence participates in guided mindfulness sessions at Pilgrims Hospices, which he describes as a key tool for managing anxiety. "I do guided mindfulness sessions at Pilgrims, which I love; they help me stay present in the moment and not get so anxious about the future - that’s the secret," he explains. With an interest in psychology, Lawrence emphasizes the importance of mental resilience during his cancer journey. He also values the social aspect of hospice care, noting that sharing experiences with others in similar situations can be more comfortable than with family.
Diverse Activities and Therapeutic Benefits
In addition to mindfulness, Lawrence attends Living Well groups that feature talks on various topics and has tried reflexology for the first time, finding it very relaxing. In 2025, he enjoyed a dance performance titled Joy by Doorstep Duets in the Canterbury hospice gardens, a project initiated in 2021 to combat social isolation. More recently, he has joined Time to Create, a therapeutic art group where patients engage in artistic activities; Lawrence is currently making a memory book. "It’s nice coming to the hospice and catching up with some friendly faces," he says.
Physical Fitness and Future Goals
Lawrence maintains his physical fitness through Pilates and, with support from Pilgrims, hopes to resume swimming soon, an activity he previously enjoyed while swimming for the London Borough of Islington. He describes swimming as therapeutic and credits hospice care for helping him stay active and manage his illness effectively.
Gratitude and Community Impact
Reflecting on his experience, Lawrence expresses deep gratitude for the support from Pilgrims Hospices. "Without Pilgrims, I wouldn’t have known what to do or where to go after my diagnosis," he states. He appreciates the routine and social connections provided by hospice groups, which also welcome partners and carers, offering them a break. Lawrence was surprised to learn about the hospice's reliance on donations and is now motivated to give back by sharing his story.
About Pilgrims Hospices
Pilgrims Hospices offers compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is available in patients' homes, in the community, and at three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet, and Ashford, with a 24-hour advice line also provided. The service covers locations including Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, and Westgate-on-Sea in Kent.
