An amateur poet who is nearing the end of her life has fulfilled a lifelong ambition by publishing a book of poems she’s written over more than 40 years. 

Sarah Colina has been receiving end of life care at Ashgate Hospice since being admitted to its Inpatient Unit in Old Brampton, Chesterfield. 

The 60-year-old started writing poems when she was a teenager but never got round to getting her work published despite encouragement from friends and family. 

Now, she has published 60 copies of her poetry book Flying Free, ten of which will be signed and gifted to loved ones, while the rest are being sold as soft backs to raise funds for the hospice. 

Sarah, originally from Nether Edge in Sheffield before she moved to Chesterfield, has been living with the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for 20 years. 

Speaking from her bed at the hospice, she said: “The book is dedicated to my mum, who has believed in me all my life. 

“She has always said: ‘you’re a fantastic poet, Sarah. Get it published.’ And when you’re 20 or 30, it’s like ‘well, I will do eventually’ and then it never ends up happening. 

“That was until my wonderful daughter-in-law, Katie, helped bring all of this into place.  

“She found the book place, she found the publishing company, and within three weeks, it went from an idea to an actual book.  

“I’m hoping it will be nicely received and people will enjoy reading my poems.”

Sarah, who worked as a tutor for adults with learning difficulties at the Burton Street Foundation in Sheffield, arrived at the hospice towards the beginning of July. 

She was initially admitted for palliative care but started receiving end of life care when her condition deteriorated.   

Sarah added: “I’ve had COPD for years and then it started to get worse about three years ago. 

“I was told two months ago that I had six months to a year left to live but I haven’t got that now.

“I’m not frightened. Everyone at the hospice has been so supportive. If there’s nobody here but a staff member – if someone’s holding my hand – that’s all that matters.” 

The front cover of Sarah’s book features a budgie sitting on a branch, which she illustrated herself when she was 15 years old. 

Sarah said she hoped the book would raise funds for the hospice’s care, so future patients could receive the care and support she has. 

“Some of the poems are very dark, but some make you laugh,” said Sarah. “I’m hoping it gives people insight into their inner person. 

“And I hope people will interpret my poems their own way. If I think this is a poem of happiness, and you see it as a poem about grief, then who’s to say which is right and wrong?” 

“I hope the books can raise some funds for the hospice. I’ve found every single person here – from the cleaner, right up to the main doctor – has been so kind.   

“If you took their uniforms off, and their badges, and stuck them in a line and spoke to each one, you wouldn’t be able to tell who did which job. 

“None of them have got an attitude of ‘well I’m an underling’ and none of them have got an attitude of ‘well, I’m in charge’. They’re just humans, every single one.” 

Anyone who is interested in purchasing one of Sarah’s poetry books can find out more by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01246 567 250. 

Ashgate Hospice is backing Hospice UK’s campaign for fairer funding. Join the campaign by writing to your MP and show them how much hospice care matters.  

Find out more about the campaign on the hospice’s website.

Photo caption: Sarah’s stepdad Trevor Turner, poet Sarah Colina, and mum Janet Winifred Timms, who the book is dedicated to