‘Willow Wood is totally the opposite of what I expected’

When Jai Mistry left her job in October 2024 to care full-time for her husband, Balu, she had no idea that decision would also lead her to discover the support and compassion of Willow Wood Hospice.

Jai, 57, stepped away from her accounting career to look after Balu, who had been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) – a neurological condition. She cared for him until he died on 19th May 2025.

That’s how Jai first came across Willow Wood Hospice.

She learned about the Hospice’s services when Julie Moran, our Wellbeing Team Lead, gave a talk at a group held at the Shree Bharatiya Mandal temple on Union Street in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Jai said she was immediately curious to find out more.

“I got in contact with Julie and we got lots of help and information. Both my husband and I were able to access therapies, which were amazing. We’ve got to know several members of staff really well.

“We didn’t realise these services were available because you think a hospice is just for end of life. It’s been really eye-opening.

“The staff at Willow Wood are so reassuring and told me I can call with any issues and if there’s anything they can help with to alleviate any pressure from me or my husband. It just felt like a sigh of relief that somebody’s listened to us.”

Jai and Balu attended the Hospice’s wellbeing sessions together and accessed therapies separately.

“While my husband was having physio, I could have a massage or Reiki or reflexology which was really nice because it just reassured me that Balu was safe, being looked after and I could have some time out which was important as well. We also received regular phone calls from the team checking on how we were doing.”

‘Comforting to know people care and want to help’

Following Balu’s death, Jai continued to receive therapies, as well as counselling through our Family Support team.

“It doesn’t solve anything,” she said, “but it’s good to talk to get things off your shoulders and it’s nice to hear that someone’s listening too. They help you see things in a different way from a different aspect. On the whole, it’s just been really comforting to know there are people out there who actually care and want to help.”

Like many people, Jai had once thought hospices only provided end-of-life care.

“I was pleasantly surprised when I first came. I thought it was going to be all doom and gloom and not very nice but it was totally the opposite of what I expected. I’ve met different people on Reception and they’re always very welcoming, which is really nice.”

Now, Jai is determined to spread the word about the help and support Willow Wood offers, especially within the Asian community in Tameside.

“I have been talking about the services here to everybody. One of my uncles runs a local Asian group and I keep pushing him about the importance of people knowing what help is out there. The Asian community is quite a close community and they are quite private people as well. People can almost feel shameful about asking for help but there’s no shame at all.”

She even encouraged her uncle-in-law, Chandrakant Mistry, who has a rare form of motor neurone disease (MND), to access the Hospice’s services and attend our recently-launched MND Support Group.

“People’s mentality can be that something has happened and they have to just get on with it, but they can reach out for support that’s there without being afraid to ask for it. You need people who understand what you’re going through – you think you can deal with it on your own but you can’t.”

‘You never know when you might need Willow Wood’  

Jai’s experience caring for loved ones spans several years – she and Balu had previously cared for his mother at home for almost three years after she suffered a stroke, before she died in 2019.

When Balu began showing symptoms in 2020, Jai initially thought he may have had a mini stroke. After visiting their GP and being referred to a neurologist, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and later PSP.

“I had never heard of PSP but I’d compare it very much to MND. It’s neurological and affects your muscles, eyesight and everything – it’s quite debilitating. After that, I noticed he was progressively getting worse, especially after I finished work and was seeing him more often. He deteriorated quite quickly which I was shocked at and he couldn’t do anything for himself, which was hard to see.”

Jai also says she was surprised to learn how much the Hospice relies on volunteers and would love to give the gift of her time in the future.

“The groups like the ones at the Hospice are so important for people from a social, mental and physical point of view. I think I could help in that capacity as someone who has been through a similar experience and support those who come along.

“It’s a wonderful place, including the lovely gardens which are nice and peaceful. I don’t think anyone should be nervous about coming here. You’ll come through the doors and be pleasantly surprised – it won’t be what you expect.

“There’s definitely a need for the hospice to be here – it’s helped me and so many other people. If you can support Willow Wood in any way, please do and just spread the word. You never know when you or someone you know might need it one day.”

Julie Moran, Wellbeing Team Lead, reflected: “Reading this account of Jai and Balu’s story reflects what the heart of Willow Wood is all about. Our Community Services aim to deliver the support that improves daily life, extends quality of life, and ensures dignity.

“In Tameside and Glossop, we have diverse communities and integrated health and social care. We will continue to collaborate and build robust partnerships with these external organisations to ensure we reach out to all our residents and give them the right support at the right time.”

To find out more about Willow Wood Hospice’s services, visit the ‘Our Services’ section of the website or call 0161 330 1100 to speak to our team.