Story
<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p>
<p>This year I have been lucky enough (I think!!!) to have been given a Virgin London Marathon place. I have chosen to run for St. Michael's Hospice in St. Leonards, Hastings. This is in memory of my wonderful Dad, Terry.</p>
<p>Dad was diagnosed with stomach cancer in April 2009. Although told it was terminal, he never gave up hope. He completed various stages of chemotherapy and clinical trials to try to get a few extra years of life. He wanted to enjoy retirement with my stepmum, he wanted to walk my younger sister down the aisle and he wanted to spend more time watching his grandchildren grow up. He didn't get to do any of this.</p>
<p>During the final stages of his cancer, Dad spent some time at St. Michael's Hospice. St. Michael's runs on charitable donations and the nurses and doctors there, do an amazing job giving palliative care. Nothing is too much trouble. He initially went to get pain relief and was due to return home after a couple of weeks. I believe, he felt so safe and secure there that he decided to let go. He died ten days later on 1 July 2010.</p>
<p>In support of The Hospice, I am running the Gt. Bentley Half-Marathon on Sunday 6 February, the Hastings Half-Marathon on Sunday 20 March and finally the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 17 April.</p>
<p>Please please sponsor me and help me to give back to the Hospice for taking such good care of my Dad. Any donation, however small, is much appreciated.</p>
<p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to St. Michael's and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.</p>
<p>Thank-you so much</p>
<p>Rachel x</p>