Hi there,

 

As many of you may already know, my Mum Margaret passed away on February 21st 2010 after a brave battle against cancer. As a sign of appreciation for the amazing work which the hospice did, I would like to cycle Saltern's Way in Chichester in aid of the hospice (http://www.stwh.co.uk/) and MacMillan Cancer Support (http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx). I have done this ride before but this year my desire to raise money is even greater.

 

The services of St Wilfrid's are provided free of charge - they are not a part of the NHS and rely on public support to raise 85% of its annual running costs of £5.1 million - that's nearly £14,000 per day which needs to be almost exclusively financed by fundraising.

 

Just prior to the start of Mum's radiotherapy, Dad was admitted to hospital for a week, and I could not give Mum the care she deserved. I spoke to St Wilfrid's and they kindly accommodated and cared for Mum during her treatment.

 

When Mum came home for the hospice, her health never really improved. However, with the help and support of the hospice (as well as friends and family) Mum was able to spend the last couple of months of her life at home and relatively pain free, with her family around her. The support provided by the hospice was outstanding  - there were alternative treatments provided, regular visits from nurses and the provision of all the equipment and medication required to make Mum comfortable at home.

 

In Mum's last few days, we were asked if Mum would rather be at home or at the hospice. When we opted for the former, St Wilfrid's Hospice At Home service kicked into action, providing round the clock care (http://www.stwh.co.uk/services/hospice-at-home)

 

I appreciate that financially times are hard, and that some of you may already have donated to the hospice at Mum's funeral (over £2,000 was raised) - however I would ask you to dig deep in supporting these amazing charities (whose support I could not have done without over the past few months).

 

Details of the ride can be found here:(http://www.stwh.co.uk/images/stories/documents/press_release/Sign_Up_Now_For_A_Wheely_Good_Time_2010.pdf) - the ride itself is around 12 miles (from Chichester to West Wittering) - however, to try to raise that bit more, I will be cycling from Emsworth to the start of the ride, then after the Saltern's Way I will be cycling back to Emsworth, so a round trip of 35-40 miles.

And, as an added incentive to donate (and make me look rather daft!), if I reach my target, I will wear the daffodil hat as in the photos for the Saltern's Way part of the ride.

So please, please, please donate what you can - to quote Tesco's "Every Little Helps".

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

 

Dom