Story
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US">On September 15-19<sup>th</sup>, Julie, Nikki, Candy, Matt, Becky Johnson, Tony and Linda Lucas, Gill Shalley and Jay Hall will be taking on the challenge of cycling from Solihull to Paris (average of 115km a day). This is in memory of Ronnie Bowker - husband of Julie and Dad to Candy, Matt, Nikki and Ryan.<span> </span>The cycle will raise money for the Marie Curie Cancer Care hospice in Solihull and hopefully will result in a much-needed and deserved new hospice being built in Solihull. </span>Marie Curie requires each person taking part to raise £1,600 but we will hopefully exceed that!</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US">A little bit about our Dad’s story....</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US">Dad was diagnosed with cancer on 20<sup>th</sup> March 2010. Like with everything, Dad took this in stride and was determined to fight his illness until the end. <strong><span> </span></strong>Even during his courses of chemo, he continued working, going to the gym, went to Portugal and Glastonbury etc. <span> </span>Despite the excellent care given by the team at the QE Hospital in Birmingham, we were gutted to find that the two courses of chemo had not worked.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US">On 16<sup>th</sup> December, the nurses advised the family that it would be beneficial for Dad to go to the Marie Curie hospice in Solihull for a week so that the appropriate course of medication could be assessed. Sadly, it soon became apparent that Dad wasn’t going to be coming home as he began to rapidly deteriorate. Dad peacefully passed away on 22<sup>nd</sup> December with all of his family by his side.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US">During Dad’s last days, the team at Marie Curie tended to Dad’s every need, with respect, care, and warmth and always with a smile. Our Mom was able to spend day and night at his bedside due to the facilities offered, including blankets and food. We actually asked Dad whether he wanted to come home and he said ‘no, I’m in the best hands here’. We know that the money we raise will go to building a new and better facility for Marie Curie so that they may continue to provide invaluable care and support to many families.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US">Thank you for your support.</span></p>
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