Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am running the London Marathon to raise money for Hospice In The Weald as my way of thanking them for all the care and support they gave my mother, Valerie Hinds, in her 15 month struggle against bowel cancer.

Before my mother got cancer, I never realised the vital services hospices provide Cancer sufferers.  In the case of Hospice In the Weald 90p in every £1 raised goes directly into these vital services. 

My Goal is to raise over £4,000. This will cover the cost of counselling support sessions  for one day, providing patients, families and carers with pre and post bereavement counselling. This service was of huge benefit to my parents.

My Story started when my Mother went into hospital for what we thought was an operation to remove a tumour. Sadly, what they discovered was advanced secondary bowel cancer and the surgeons decided there was nothing they could do.

I was with my mother when they broke the news. She took the news bravely. But, from that moment on, our family's life was upended as we all tried to come to terms with what we had been told and what would follow.

We now knew my mother was dying. But had no idea of what was needed to provide her with the best emotional, physical and clinical support.

Up to this point, Mum had been fit and well. With three children and eight grand children and a mother who lived to 107, she had every expectation of enjoying her twilight years to the full. Cancer re-wrote the story and robbed her of those happy times.

Cancer is a lonely, horrible disease and my mother was always a very private person. So, it was a real challenge to discuss the realities of what was going on and was needed. Professional help was needed

Looking after someone you love is stressful and all consuming. For my father, it was a lonely and frightening experience.  All eyes are on your wife. But, Dad wanted practical help and reassurance he was doing everything he could to provide comfort and support for Mum.

Hospice In the Weald provided vital home care service for my Mother with specialist clinical nurses over 15 months. They were there for day-to-day medication and discussions on adjustments to dosages. They were also there to help her keep going and face the future bravely.

This vital service meant my Mother had the dignity of being treated at home. These visits ensured she could discuss her medical and physical needs with a qualified professional in the security of her home.

Hospice In the Weald became a central part of their lives for 15 months. Their help undoubtedly helped my mother face the future bravely and offered her encouragement to make the most of her remaining life.

My Parents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary a few months before my mother died. When she did pass away Hospice in the Weald provided bereavement counselling and other important support for my father.

Hospice In the Weald made a huge difference to my parents lives and i am running this marathon to raise money to thank them for their support of my Parents.