24/7 Advice & Support | 020 3824 1268

24/7 Advice & Support | 020 3824 1268

Bogdan was an inpatient at Michael Sobell Hospice for several weeks in the late summer/early Autumn after developing serious complications with his lung cancer. He had lived and worked in the UK for many years and his illness was a real tragedy for both him and his family.

Since coming into the Hospice, his partner Violeta and son John were able to spend precious time with him every day. One of Bogdan’s wishes was to visit his home again in Romania. This looked really unlikely because of both his condition and the pandemic.

So…we took him on a trip to Romania via virtual reality, which gave him great comfort. He was able to visit his home town, his favourite haunts and beloved countryside. Research has shown that when people are ill, being near ‘home’ – even when it is another country – is really important.

Virtual reality technology is getting easier and cheaper to use and can open up a whole new world for people who are too ill to travel. Various apps can be used to help people who have anxiety or breathlessness to relax, but also to relive memories, journeys and holidays from the past and to enhance wellbeing in the present moment.

The equipment we used has been lent by one of the doctors – we would love to own our own virtual reality kit to transport patients around the world! For more information visit our Amazon Wish List https://amzn.eu/gwF85jz

Matron Carol stands with a woman in a blue sari in our gardens at Lansdowne House

Keep in touch

Sign up for our latest stories, fundraising events, and how you can support our work.