Back in April of 2013, my dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour. By June it was terminal, and he had been moved from the John Radcliffe Hospital to Willen Hospice. The period between his diagnosis and his passing was short, which meant that his last bit of time alive was precious. Hospices like Willen serve as pillars of support for families grappling with terminal illness, offering not only medical assistance but also emotional comfort. Willen not only supported my dad, but also my mum and sister with the pre and post death care. Now, as Willen Hospice urgently seeks additional funding, I'm reminded of the invaluable impact every donation can make. £25 could mean a precious shift for a specialist nurse, £50 could supply essential medical supplies, and £100 could ensure vital support reaches families through the Hospice at Home program. For my family, these services were lifelines during the swift progression from diagnosis to farewell.
I don’t think I’ve run longer than the 5k I did for cancer research when I was 10. This is most certainly a challenge, but one worth fundraising for, that is for sure. So, as I run, I run not just for the miles but for the memories, and for the hope that others may find the same comfort and care in their time of need.