After receiving a life limiting diagnosis of advanced lung cancer in 2025, it was at the top of Outpatient Christina’s long bucket list to perform one last time before her conditions that affect her breathing stop her from being able to do this.
Christina is 72 next month and has lived in Warrington for over 30 years; she has always loved music and how music can take you back to certain times in your life and that different songs bring up different types of emotions like happiness and sadness.
During July, Christina was able to fulfil this wish by performing at the St. Rocco’s We Care Coffee Afternoon alongside her grandson who played the background guitar.
A semi-professional lead singer for many years in a band; her favourite song is Atomic by Blondie. Christina’s last and most memorable gig was for a charity. She told us how the people who attended were amazing, and that the charity and staff were all hugely engaged with the idea throughout the whole process. Christina remembers all the charity gigs that she had done and is proud to have done every one of them. Even when she stopped singing with her band, she continued to sing on karaoke whenever she had the opportunity to.
She attends the weekly We Care Coffee Group and has visited the hospice for complimentary therapies over the last few months.
“I really enjoy coming to the coffee group because I like talking to the different people who come along to the groups, as well as the staff and volunteers at the hospice. The bingo and quizzes are lots of fun, and I really appreciate how the volunteers and others attending help me, so that I can take part.”
Christina was referred to the hospice by her consultant as an outpatient. She suffers from several conditions including advanced lung cancer, and a vascular and degenerative condition meaning she has loss of sight and is in a wheelchair.
Christina has also enjoyed the complementary therapies at St. Rocco’s; these allow her to really relax and switch off, and she is able to forget about things for a brief time.
“The relaxation sessions here have been fantastic. They have allowed me to relax and picture a place where I feel most relaxed. I love going to beach and being near the sea, so this helps me to picture this scene and think of the sound of waves.’
Christina’s approach throughout her life has been to always keep going. Although things might come along to try and knock her down, she always comes back with a smile on her face and stays positive.
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