This World Music Therapy Day, Rowcroft Hospice is shining a light on the transformative power of music in palliative care through the story of Nick Brixton – a father of two from Babbacombe who has found comfort and strength in Rowcroft’s music therapy service.
Nick’s passion for music started at a young age. He worked as a sound engineer before becoming an electrician, but even as his life changed, music remained at the heart of who he is: “I’ve always been into music – it’s in my blood,” he said. “Ever since I was a toddler, I loved the sound of the keys on the piano. When I had to give up work because of my illness, I found myself turning back to music – and it’s brought me so much joy and strength.”
Having been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2022, Nick was later referred to Rowcroft Hospice under the care of its Community Team to receive specialist care, counselling and support at home. Over recent months, Nick was introduced to music therapy, led by Rowcroft’s Music Therapist, David Holmes.
“I had no idea about the range of support available at Rowcroft. When David turned up at my house with his guitar, I was blown away. We just had a jam, and it did me the world of good. Music has always lifted me, and now, even on tough days, it gives me energy and it sets me free. The support from Rowcroft has been a real gift – it’s like a big, loving hug.”
So inspired by his music therapy sessions, Nick has started writing his own music: “It’s given me a new sense of purpose and driving force. I’ve started creating my own songs, which has been incredibly rewarding.”
Music therapy is an important part of Rowcroft’s holistic approach to care, offering emotional, psychological, and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones. Whether playing instruments, listening to music, or simply experimenting with sound, the therapy provides a creative outlet, a sense of connection and a mechanism for expressing feelings and emotions.
“Mentally, my illness has been a real battle,” said Nick. “Because I’m watching my body deteriorate and it’s hard to accept that I can’t do what I used to. It’s been so difficult, and it’s affected my mental health. But the music therapy has been great; it’s taken my mind away from those dark thoughts that could ultimately destroy me if I let them. I’d highly recommend music therapy, even if you’ve never played an instrument before. It’s so good for the soul and it takes your mind away from your worries. Music is a universal energy, and I truly believe it has healing powers.”
“As the Music Therapist, I build a musical dialogue with each patient,” added Rowcroft Hospice’s David Holmes. “We improvise together with musical instruments to develop a relationship through our music. In this way, my patients can be heard through their music, and they can express themselves in ways that aren’t possible through speech. It’s a unique kind of interchange and a way of relating to others.
“Patients and loved ones may be overwhelmed by what’s going on in their lives, and their heads may be full of anxiety and ruminating thoughts. By creating and listening to music, they’re taken to a place of mindfulness – a safe space to stop worrying for a short time and to lose themselves completely in the music. As patients engage with music, they often experience reduced anxiety, enhanced relaxation, and a release of tension.”
“The level of care provided to me by Rowcroft has been outstanding,” said Nick. “It’s the feeling of support that has been the biggest thing, the feeling that ‘we’re here with you to the end’. As a charity, Rowcroft relies on funding, so I plan to help raise money for the hospice because I’d like more people to benefit from this amazing care.”
During recent months, Rowcroft has indicated that the financial pressures facing the charity are significant – due to many factors including lack of government funding, a national drop in charitable giving, an escalating demand for end-of-life care services and rising costs. The hospice continues to rely on the generosity of the local community for 75% of its funding and the charity stresses that the support of the community is paramount to ensure the continuation of vital services.
For further information about Rowcroft’s music therapy and other services, or to make a donation, please visit: rowcrofthospice.org.uk
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Threads where you can keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Get in touch via email admin@wearesouthdevon.com
