Northern Ireland’s Godfather of Punk, Terri Hooley, has paid tribute to the staff of the Renal Unit at the Ulster Hospital, describing them as “my heroes” and thanking them for the outstanding care and support he receives during dialysis treatment three times a week.
Terri, founder of the legendary Good Vibrations record label, was diagnosed with Renovascular Disease in 2016. Renovascular Disease is a condition that affects blood flow to the kidneys due to narrowing of the arteries that supply them, which can lead to kidney damage and kidney failure.
Speaking about his health journey, Terri reflected on the challenges he has faced over the years and how his outlook on life has changed, “I had not been feeling very well and my GP referred me to see a Consultant at Belfast City Hospital. Following that, I became unwell again and was admitted for treatment in Belfast City Hospital. It happened to be the evening of the tenth anniversary screening of the Good Vibrations film at the Strand Arts Centre and I actually asked the Consultant if I could get out for a couple of hours to attend before coming back to hospital.
“Before that, I had already spent three months in the Ulster Hospital with a heart condition and Pneumonia. I joked that I felt like I had a loyalty card.”
Terri recalled a particularly difficult period when he was admitted to hospital and received life-changing news, “I was told I had suffered a heart attack and had Pneumonia. At first, I couldn’t believe it. I cried for three days. Then one night I became seriously ill and was told that if I had not already been in hospital, I probably would not have survived long enough for an ambulance to reach me.
“That was a turning point for me. I decided I was not going to miss out on life anymore. I was going to enjoy every day and make the most of every opportunity.”
After later attending the Ulster Hospital Emergency Department feeling unwell, Terri’s kidney condition progressed and he began dialysis treatment in the Renal Unit, where he now attends three times a week.
Reflecting on life with dialysis, Terri said, “I do not spend time worrying about how long life will be. I focus on the quality of life while I am here. I try not to let dialysis take over my life, but it has become a big part of it.
“I have had to cut back on a lot of my DJ work and the thing I miss most is travelling abroad. I have been invited to festivals all over the world and have DJ’d everywhere from Manchester to Moscow. Looking back, I realise how lucky I was to have those opportunities.
“But I am still keeping busy. My next performance is a live evening of poetry and nonsense and I always try to look forward rather than back.”
Terri said one of the most important parts of his dialysis journey has been the support of the staff who care for him every week.
Terri added, “I think they are all wonderful. They are like my extended family. The care I have received has been outstanding and we always have a bit of a laugh together.
“When you are attending hospital several times a week, those relationships become really important. The staff do not just provide treatment, they provide encouragement, kindness and reassurance.
“They are my heroes.”