LAUGHTER and creativity has lifted octogenarian Peggy Daley out of a ‘black hole’ and enabled her to enjoy life again.

The 88-year-old from Charminster, near Dorchester fell into a ‘deep depression’ after she lost the full use of her legs and was unable to maintain her active lifestyle.

But just four weeks after joining the creative arts therapy group at the Joseph Weld Hospice, Peggy is smiling again.

She said: “I still don’t think I’m very artistic, I just love coming here and doing the work.

“It’s been the saving of me really because I was in a deep depression before.

“I was depressed because I can’t walk without a stick and need to use a mobility scooter. I don’t know why I lost the use of my legs.

“I used to be very sporty and when I lost my legs, I felt like giving up.

“Then I came here and I don’t feel like giving up any more.”

Peggy was ‘sent’ to the day centre at the hospice after being treated at Poole hospital for skin cancer. Staff there sensed she was feeling low and recommended she attend the day hospice once a week.

Peggy said: “I’ve never been in a club before but coming here has certainly broadened my horizons.

“I’ve decorated cushion covers, made little gift boxes and model butterflies which were just beautiful.

“This is the fourth week and I never want to leave – now I’m enjoying life.”

After just three months in the group, Fred Cheffey, 72, of West Stafford said it was ‘home’ for him, thanks to creative arts therapist Susie White.

Former farmhand Fred, who is recovering following an operation to remove a brain tumour, said: “I really enjoy coming here. I didn’t think I was going to. This is home.”

John Legg, 58, of Winterborne Stickland, was painting a poppy box for his daughter Jane to hold her aromatherapy oils.

He said: “I quite enjoy myself, if it wasn’t for Susie and the volunteers I wouldn’t be doing anything like this. It’s a good pick-me-up.”

Susie said: “I see patients go from being in a black hole to laughing. It’s really incredible.”

How you can help

THE Show Them You Care campaign has raised £5232.20 since it was launched by the Dorset Echo and Weldmar Hospicecare Trust earlier this year.

But there is a long way to go to hit the target needed to pay for a community nurse for a year.

Donate at www.justgiving.com/weldmarnurse or send cheques payable to ‘The Weldmar Hospicecare Trust’ to the Dorset Echo offices at Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD.

To share your stories of how Weldmar has helped you, call Laura Kitching on 01305 830984.