A local woman has turned her love of diamond art into a heartfelt donation for Katharine House Hospice. Wendy Coghlan was inspired to give back after she and her husband Barry received specialist care from the charity.
Wendy and Barry are both living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and are being supported by the expert team at the hospice’s Therapy & Wellbeing Centre. From diagnosis through every stage of illness, the centre offers a wide range of care, including physiotherapy, complementary therapies, counselling, family support and one-to-one sessions with the charity's medical experts.
Wendy rediscovered diamond art while recovering from an operation in early 2025. She found the activity therapeutic and calming and her latest collection, a series of glittering, hand-crafted artworks, has now been generously donated to the hospice to help raise vital funds. The artwork will be raffled off at Christmas, giving supporters a chance to win a beautiful piece while supporting a worthy cause.
“I’d done diamond art before and took it up again while recovering. It’s a great way of relaxing and getting my mind off my worries,” Wendy said. “I can be in my room for hours, the world just goes by.”
The couple have seen the transformation of the Therapy & Wellbeing Centre since its revamp in 2023, with new clinical rooms, beautiful gardens and vibrant social spaces. Barry, who has received care from the charity for over five years, shared his delight: “When I came in again, it looked like a different place. It’s so much better!”
As part of his ongoing care, Barry has benefited from acupuncture, massage, and relaxation sessions, which Wendy says have helped him cope emotionally and physically. She commented, “The staff are wonderful. There isn’t anyone who isn’t nice. From the moment the doors open, they really welcome you and get to know your needs.”
Wendy has 14 more diamond art pictures planned, each a sparkling tribute to the expert care and kindness she and her husband have received.
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