Please take the time to read our story…….Last December my father in law, Colin, was diagnosed with terminal Cancer of the Pancreas. It was such a shock for us all and we had no idea what a roller coaster we were in for.

We spent a lovely Christmas together with all the family, and over the next few months we spent as much time as we possibly could together. We went on holidays abroad which we hadn't done in years and did things as a family that we had never done before. As we knew the inevitable would happen, we wanted to make as many memories as possible and we cherished every moment we had with Colin.

Over the months Colin deteriorated more and more and the nurses in Airedale hospital did their job and looked after Colin. It wasn’t until the final few weeks though, that a special place was brought to my attention. This Place was Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope. Wow what a place!!! I say this because being in business I know how easy it is for any worker to go to work, do the job satisfactory and then go home. Not here though, the people that work in Manorlands are special, so so special.
The ladies and gents in Manorlands, made the final weeks of a dying man a pleasure and put a smile on Colin’s face up until his final breathe. They made the final weeks of a grieving family, happy and not so sorrowful.

I can’t describe what lengths the people in Manorlands went to, to make us feel welcome, and nothing was ever a problem. I am not joking when I tell you that these people helped us to arrange, firstly a Baptism for my son at the hospice so Colin could be present, and then a wedding blessing for Kelly (Colin’s Daughter) and Chris (who am doing this marathon with). Colin was so grateful for everything they did for him and our family and in turn we all are too.

We did not have to pay a penny for the care Colin and our family received, but I could not believe it when I found out that every year Manorlands have to raise £2.1m in voluntary donations to continue providing the care to families like ours!!!!! Yes you read that right, £2.1 million!!!!

Colin had cancer, and I always thought that hospices were just for people with cancer, but while there I found out that Sue Ryder looks after people with more conditions than any other UK charity, which means all our families are likely to be affected by conditions that Manorlands Hospice care for at some point.

The care hasn’t stopped for our family, as we are getting bereavement support if needed from Manorlands, including our children. Nothing short of amazing!

The commitment and passion the men and women working at the hospice have towards their job should be an inspiration to anyone. They are all, each and every one, ANGELS in my eyes. I will do this Marathon for each and every one of the people who made such a massive impact on our lives from Manorlands. If I can fundraise and carry out this task with half of the effort they put into their jobs I will do myself proud.
Please people I beg you to donate, you never know when you or your family will need a place like Manorlands Hospice to help you and without our support they will not be able to continue. Please, please help us!!!