Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I like many people have had family and friends who have suffered from illnesses and who have been cared for by the wonderful people in Hospices in their final days. There are several people who I am running for and would like to tell you a little bit about them:-

My cousin Peter Thomas Davis was born 26 May 1977 and was the only child of my Aunty Maureen and Uncle Tom. Peter had been unwell for a couple of years before doctors diagnosed him with having Bowel Cancer at the young age of 32. Peter was engaged to Manda and due to marry in June 2010. Thankfully Peter was well enough and they were able to fulfil their dream of becoming husband wife. Unfortunately Peter passed away 5 September 2010.

 

Kevin Sheridan was born 12 December 1955. He was a dedicated Community Police Officer for Lancashire Constabulary. Sadly Kevin became ill on 14 February 2003 and was diagnosed with having grade 4 brain cancer and given a maximum of 18 months to live. However Kevin fought against the illness and survived for a further 3 years!! Unfortunately for Kevin these 3 years were long and painful but he kept going determined to spend as much time with his family as possible especially as his daughter Scarlett was only a few months old when he became ill. Kevin spent a lot of time at St Catherine’s where he was cared for by the wonderful staff and where he found the peace and rest he needed when things got too much for him. Kevin was a very proud man and never complained of the pain he must have had to endure. Sadly Kevin passed away on 10 October 2006 whilst being cared for at St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall.

 

Helen Whiteside was born in 1968. She was lively and outgoing as a child and consequently popular at school. Helen was fit and healthy and enjoying life when she became ill and diagnosed with having a malignant brain tumor. Helen fought the illness and managed to get back to work at Lancashire Constabulary, where she had worked for over 20years. During Helen’s last few weeks/days, instead of staying quietly at home with her parents, she was surrounded by the friendliest of people and “enjoyed” the specialized care of St Catherine’s Hospice, Lostock Hall. Sadly Helen passed away on 19 December 2007 at the young age of 39, where she was surrounded by her loving family.

Kerry was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2006, at the age of 27. She battled through surgery and chemotherapy, and was give the all clear. Kerry was married to Francis and they both wanted to start a family. Against the odds, Kerry did become pregnant and gave birth to Freya in July 2009. However, Freya's birth also brought grave news; the cancer had returned and had spread. Kerry was told it was terminal this time, however, she battled the cancer for over 2 years, beyond everyone's expectations. Kerry stayed at Ashgate Hospice in Derbyshire on numerous occassions during her illness, it made a big difference to the quality of her life and her comfort and dignity. Kerry spent her last weeks in the hospice and passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, in September 2011. Kerry's family, we will always be grateful to Ashgate Hospice for making her last days as comfortable and calm as possible. They do a truely outstanding job.

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Many thanks for your support and generosity.