When David Pugh’s beloved wife, Rosalind, was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) in 2017, she spent the time she had left educating people about the condition.
Helping others was really important to Rosalind, so in her memory, David uses his experiences of PSP to support families as a PSPA Befriending Volunteer and a Support Group Coordinator. Here he shares how he helps to reduce isolation within the PSP & CBD Community in this role.
“In a journey which can feel profoundly isolating and lonely, I have found I can offer something unique: true understanding.
“My beloved wife, Rosalind, died on 20 December 2020. It was a difficult time, but I found solace in knowing my two daughters and I were with her until the end. What I didn’t expect was how overwhelmingly painful it would be to return to our empty home alone, after spending the Christmas period with one of my daughters.
“After time navigating my grief, I was guided by a desire to honour Rosalind’s passion for helping others by continuing her legacy. So, when I saw an article in PSPA Matters asking for Befriending Volunteers and someone to help coordinate an online Support Group for male carers, I stepped forward.
“As a Befriending Volunteer, I use my experience of caring for Rosalind to help guide people in their PSP or CBD journey. Having lived through the physical and emotional exhaustion of caring for someone with PSP; the sleepless nights, the anxiety around swallowing, the sheer isolation of not knowing where to turn, I try to save people time and stress.
“I listen, help people understand symptoms and how they may progress, and signpost to local information and services. Sometimes just provide companionship.
“I know firsthand how much harder the festive period can be. While the rest of the world is celebrating, so many families facing PSP or CBD are managing relentless care routines without respite or coping with the quiet ache of an empty home. That is why being there as a Befriending Volunteer at this time of year means so much to me.
“Befriending Volunteers like me exist so that no one must face PSP or CBD alone.
“A donation to PSPA’s Bauble Appeal will ensure that when a carer or someone living with PSP or CBD feels completely alone, there is a trained, compassionate volunteer, often with lived experience like me, to call or visit you, and say: “I understand—I’ve walked in your shoes.”
Help Families Feel Understood and Less Isolated
You can help us reach and support more families by donating to PSPA’s Christmas Bauble Appeal.
You can donate on our website or call us on 01327 322414.
