Christmas decorationSoo began her journey with the Princess Alice Hospice Man Shed while she was a full-time carer for her 93-year-old mum. Caring for her mum through Covid 19 proved extremely difficult, but when restrictions were lifted and she was referred to the Hospice’s Man Shed to spend time as a ‘Shedder’, Soo found she was able to chat to others in similar situations without feeling she was burdening anyone.  

From there, Soo has made friends, built confidence and created some amazing items using her newly acquired skills. Inspired by her feline friends, Nala and Simba, Soo has made a cat box styled as a retro-style TV and a cat hammock for them both to enjoy. Cat in a tv box

Soo enjoys putting her creativity and talents to good use. At Easter time, the  Shedders made Easter rabbits with cut-out spaces for a small chocolate Easter egg. The wood cutting for the decorations left some egg-shaped pieces left, which Soo repurposed to make some beautiful Christmas decorations, which will now be sold by the Man Shed during the festive season to raise funds for the Hospice. 

Mosaic is another hobby of Soo’s and she has used it to create a cake stand, vase holders, tiles for her son and  a sign for the Man Shed.  

Cat on a hammockAll of these creative activities have left a lasting impression on Soo. She says: “Attending the Man Shed has given me purpose in many ways. It’s provided me with a sense of upliftment and, of course, friendship”.