Between 24th April and 4th May (the first anniversary of my father's death), I will be completing Wainwright's 'Coast to Coast Walk' in order to raise money for the Countess of Brecknock Hospice in Andover. The walk runs for 192 miles (307 km) from St Bees Head on the Cumbrian coast to Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea, passing through three of Britain's loveliest and most dramatic National Parks. I will be undertaking this challenge alone and self-supported, staying at a variety of campsites and the occasional youth hostel where available.
My father was first diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in January 2008 and, after lengthy treatment and major surgery during the course of that year, appeared to have bravely overcome the illness. Tragically the cancer reappeared in early April 2009 and, having spread to the liver and lymph nodes, he received the devastating news that the cancer was now terminal. Sadly my father passed away at the beginning of May, aged just 57.
It was during this brief period that he was cared for by the nurses at the Countess of Brecknock Hospice, and their professionalism and kindness was a great comfort not just to my father, but to his family and friends as well. The facility is a small one, with just six beds, but it also provides a comfortable environment for loved ones during sometimes lengthy stays. Indeed my wife, sister and I spent a number of nights on a sofa-bed in the visitors' kitchen so that we could be there for him at any time of day, and it is as much with these facilities in mind as it is patient care that I am undertaking this fundraising effort.
Whether you knew my father as family, friend or colleague, or simply if you know or knew someone who has fought the same illness, you'll recognise the invaluable and tireless work that nurses like those at the Countess of Brecknock Hospice undertake twenty four hours a day, every single day of the year. It takes a special kind of person to do what they do, so if I could ask you all to donate as generously as possible to help make their task that slight bit easier, I'm sure you'd all agree that it's the least the rest of us can do.
Thank you in advance for any sponsorships received, and let me not forget those of you that previously made a donation at my father's funeral - those donations were passed on last year and were gratefully received by the Hospice.
I'll report back in early May.
Alex Head
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