Campaigner Curtis helping Birmingham Hospice by shining a light on hidden disabilities

Inspirational campaigner Curtis Pugh is helping Birmingham Hospice understand how to better support people with learning disabilities by sharing his own personal experience.

Curtis, aged 29, addressed hospice health advocates and representatives from other teams on Monday, February 24 to share his perspective on autism, ADHD and mental health.

His aim was to raise awareness of these hidden disabilities and highlight the Sunflower lanyard, which is worn by those diagnosed with a range of unseen illnesses.

He was inspired by the Oliver McGowan training which ensures people with a learning disability receive the correct care and treatment.

Training is mandatory for Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered organisations, like Birmingham Hospice, and is the result of a tireless campaign by Oliver’s parents to ensure there is no repeat of the events which lead to his tragic death.

Curtis, who lives in Rubery with dad Stephen, learned about it from Clinical Support Assistant Kate Miley and has put together an eye-catching display and presentation.

“It’s about raising awareness of people with autism and ADHD, and letting them know about the Sunflower lanyard,”

said Curtis, who received abuse from members of the public during Covid because his condition prevented him from wearing a mask.

“The Oliver McGowan training was an inspiration to me; I wondered if I could combine it with my experiences and make it my own.

“If I can help even one person then my work will be done.”

He will also talk about his own mental health issues after his mother, Tracey, lost her battle with breast cancer in May 2016.

“He’s an inspiration to so many and the things he can teach us are absolutely amazing,” said Kate.

Curtis is also working closely with our Education and Research Team, which coordinates training.

His experience builds on the Oliver McGowan course, and it is hoped that he will give more talks in the future.

Among his first audience were health advocates, who provide additional support to patients with learning disabilities or autism while they are being cared for by the hospice.

Hilary Murray, Head of the Education and Research Team, said: “Curtis is an inspiration, and his presentation is a very powerful way of ensuring people with learning difficulties, like autism and ADHD, are heard and receive the care they need.”

Both Curtis and Stephen are long-time hospice supporters after Tracey was cared for by our Inpatient Unit (IPU) in 2016.

They started charity Tracey’s Dream and Friends in her honour, where they provided a holiday caravan free of charge for cancer patients.

The pair have also donated thousands of pounds to the hospice and regularly support events held by our Living Well Centre.

Shining a light: Rubery campaigner Curtis Pugh with dad Stephen and Birmingham Hospice Clinical Support Assistant Kate Miley.

The dynamic father and son duo continue to raise funds for good causes as well as donate comfort bears to Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s cancer ward, with Curtis dressing up in a variety of superhero costumes.

Stephen said: “People don’t see all the work that goes into caring for patients at Birmingham Hospice. Everyone here is kind, caring and will do anything they can to help.”

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Lead photo caption: Important training: Curtis Pugh with the display he created as part of his presentation to Birmingham Hospice staff.

Birmingham Hospice is the new name for The Hospice Charity Partnership, formed of Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice and John Taylor Hospice.

In 2021, the two hospices merged to form The Hospice Charity Partnership providing expert palliative and end of life care for people and their families living with life-limiting illnesses. Offering personalised support at home, in local communities or at the hospices, we help people across Birmingham to live well with their illness, right up to the very end of life.
The hospice offers a range of services in people’s homes, in the community and at both its Selly Park and Erdington sites.
The hospice support families and carers too, throughout a person’s illness and, after their loved one has died, with bereavement support for as long as necessary.
Living Well Centre services are also provided, which help people to live well with their illness.
Birmingham Hospice is committed to training health and social care professionals, GPs, nurses and medical students in palliative care and end of life, via seminars, courses and placements.
All of our services are free of charge to everyone that uses them, including patients, family members, carers and loved ones.
It cost more than £17 million to run Birmingham Hospice last year. This year, we estimate it will cost £20 million to fund its vital care.
Birmingham Hospice raises 42% of its funds through income from our shops and voluntary donations.

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