Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
On 28th June 2008 I married my wife Sarah. We had a wonderful wedding day and were joined by 70 guests, all of whom were fit and healthy. We have some fantastic photos of everybody enjoying not just “our” day but “their” day too. Just one year on, 4 of our family had been diagnosed with cancer. At the time of our wedding none of them knew that they were ill.
My Mum, who I can only describe as the most vibrant person that I have ever known, was diagnosed with cancer in September 2008 and sadly, she was not with us as we celebrated our first wedding anniversary, as she passed away in May 2009. She is sadly and painfully missed by so many people.
My brother’s father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Eve 2008 and sadly passed away in September 2009. Not only did Tina lose her Dad, but Maurice's passing has meant that my niece and two nephews have lost two of their grandparents to this evil illness within the space of five cruel months.
My Uncle Joe came over to our wedding from Philadelphia and was diagnosed with cancer in July 2008. Sadly he passed away just a week before Christmas 2009.
Sarah’s Uncle’s partner was diagnosed in April 2009 with cancer and was taken from her family in March 2010.
Everyone I talk to seems to have someone close to them who is fighting this awful illness that I have seen first-hand how quickly that life can be zapped from someone to the point of not being recognised as the person that they were.
My Mum spent her last few months between being at home in Bedfordshire and a wonderful hospice that is run by the charity Sue Ryder. It is for this hospice, St Johns in Moggerhanger, Bedfordshire, that I am running the marathon. I have always known that hospices are in existence but have never really understood what they do for people. Not just for the people that are ill and suffering, but for family and friends too. Even now, after my Mum has left us the hospice continue to offer support to the people that she has left behind.
My Mum did not want to go into hospital and was very clear about that. She saw the hospice as her “lifeline” and the nurses and support staff there made her comfortable and gave her hope. She chose to end her days there and it gave me some comfort knowing that this was where she “chose” to be.
So that is why I am running the London Marathon. And that is why I will be very proud to be part of the Sue Ryder running team on 25 April 2010.
Thank you very much for your support. I cannot put into words how much I appreciate it.
As I write this with 2 days to go before the big run I would like to add that I have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of my friends and family. Neither the training nor the fundraising has been easy, but knowing it is going to such a worthwhile cause has made it that little bit easier!!
Training whilst having such a demanding job has not been easy and my company has supported me hugely in respect of varying my hours to accomodate my runs each morning and the 4 dealerships within the southern region of TC Harrison held a sales weekend and have donated a massive £1400 from the deals that were done that weekend. So thanks TC Harrison and thanks to all of the guys sales efforts to support me!!
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So please dig deep and donate now.
Simon.
