Hospice patient publishes first poetry book

Amateur poet Sarah Colina (middle) with stepdad Trevor Turner and mum Janet Winifred Timms

A woman receiving end-of-life care has fulfilled an ambition by publishing a book of poems.

Sarah Colina started writing the poems more than 40 years ago but never got round to getting her work published despite encouragement from friends and family.

The 60-year-old has been receiving care at Ashgate Hospice since being admitted to its Inpatient Unit in Old Brampton, Chesterfield.

She has published 60 copies of her book Flying Free, the front cover of which features a budgie sitting on a branch which she illustrated herself when she was 15.

The front cover for her book is illustrated with a budgie she drew when she was 15 years-old

Ms Colina, originally from Nether Edge in Sheffield before she moved to Chesterfield, has been living with lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for 20 years.

She arrived at the hospice in July and was initially admitted for palliative care but started receiving end-of-life care when her condition deteriorated.

“I was told two months ago that I had six months to a year left to live," she said.

She added staff at the hospice had been "so supportive" and is selling 50 of her books to raise money to support their work.

"I’m hoping it will be nicely received and people will enjoy reading my poems", said Ms Colina.

She added: "Some of the poems are very dark, but some make you laugh.

"I'm hoping it gives people an insight into their inner person."

Ms Colina said the book was dedicated to her mum, Janet Winifred Timms.

"[She] has believed in me all my life," she added.