Mary's story

Finding support and belonging at the Sunflower Wellbeing Hub

After being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease, Mary found reassurance and connection through the Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group, who then introduced her to the support available at St Leonard’s.

She began attending the Sunflower Wellbeing Hub in January 2024, and here she shares what that’s meant for her: “It’s a really good place to come for support. It has everything someone with a terminal illness might need, including the space to talk openly about dying, which isn’t always something you can do with friends, as they might feel uncomfortable.

St Leonard’s is the best place to come for that kind of support. It feels safe. You can talk about anything, and people here really listen. They listen to you as a person. As a member of the LGBTQ community, knowing that I’m accepted here means a lot. I feel welcome. It gives me a lift, and I look forward to coming each time.”