Gregory (aged 78 years) and his wife Janet (aged 66 years) live in Rawridge near Honiton having moved from South Petherton in Somerset over ten years ago.

Mr and Mrs Doughty

Until recently Gregory had been cutting his own toenails with help from Janet but he was finding it increasingly difficult due to having hard toenails his partially paralysed hands.   He has had two knee replacements and suffers with an ongoing back problem making bending down difficult and uncomfortable.

Gregory went to see his GP at his surgery at Churchingford because he had a particular problem with one toenail. His GP sent him to the Chiropodist at Hemyock Surgery who was able to help by introducing him  to the My Life, My Choice foot care service.

Gregory said, “The Chiropodist had sorted out the problem with one of my toenails but I really needed to have my toenails looked after on an ongoing basis and I realised that I wasn’t able to do that myself and that I couldn’t expect Janet to do it for me.  The Chiropodist is unable to do that for me as that is not what they are there to do and so the toenail cutting service that he introduced me to was an ideal solution to keep my feet fit and healthy.”

Fully trained volunteer Sue Smallwood starting visiting Gregory at home to cut his toenails as there is no bus into Hemyock from Rawridge.  Gregory now has his toenails cut every six weeks and is very pleased with the service that he has received.  

Gregory said, “Sue is an absolute delight, very professional and friendly.  We know some of her family as they live in the village which makes the service even more personal and friendly. I am very pleased and think that it is an excellent service to offer older people in their local community.”

Janet added “I don’t think that it will be long before I will be using the service as I am finding it increasingly difficult to cut my own toe nails.  Hopefully Sue will be able to cut both our toe nails on the same visit which will make her trips to us even more worthwhile.”

Please note that not all the foot care schemes being set up as part of this project offer home visits. Usually patients attend a local clinic for their appointment.