Rona's page. In memory of my son Sam Sparkes
Rona Sparkes is raising money for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice
Story
Wow I did it!!
I may be on the slow side 2hours 34mins but I “ran” all the way! I was a fantastic day. I cried a lot and laughed loads. Friends and family with banners and bags of energy really kept me going. Not to mention thinking about my beautiful boy.
The past 4 months have been pretty terrible. First Sam dying and then in February being part of the care team to ensure my grandpa was nursed and cared for at home and to die peacefully at home. Followed very quickly by a close family friend Dave Sheasby losing his battle against cancer and then just last week the tragic and unexpected death of Dave Holmes aged only 39 years young. My ex partner and old friend. You were very much with me yesterday.
I also want to recognise the huge support Jon has been. What with being my personal trainer and encouraging me, when all I wanted to do was eat Easter eggs and be grumpy. He too is managing to cope with a lot, not to mention his own health. The Chronic fatigue and heart condition were certainly pushed to the max yesterday as he and Freya race round the 13 miles to cheer me on, singing out loud our Super Sam chants. Thank you Jon and my sweetie Freya XXXXXXX
And then there is you! What a lucky lady I am to have such support from so many kind and generous people. Thank you.
Bluebell Wood Children’s hospice totally deserve all our support.
Well, that’s that then. What next? Who knows.
Sending lots of love and good health
And may Super Sam continue to inspire.
Rona XXX
below is a link to some terrible photos from the day.
Hello and thank you so much for visiting my JustGiving page.
I have decided to enter the Sheffield half marathon in memory of my beautiful son Sam, who's strength and determination in life is still an inspiration to me.
As many of you know Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice have supported my whole family over the past two years and have helped make a tragic time one full of happy memories, love and laughter.
I am not a runner, in fact in the last few years I've spent a lot of time in doors. This is a big effort and I am only hoping I can do it. I think I've developed a new style of running which involves a lot of crying! So watch out I may be running/crying on a street near you! I am finding it a good way to cope with the loss of Sam and hopefully I can give something back to some of the wonderful people who have given us so much.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. So dig deep and donate now
Below is an update of how things are going.
Updated on Apr 17th 2010 at 9:01 AM using the JustGiving iPhone app
Off to do the longest run. Eek . This is it can I do the distance?
14th April
Goodness me its been a while! Well the training is a bit up and down. I have still got rubbish legs but have managed to run 9 miles a few days a go!!!!! I can't believe it. Getting worried about the day. Hope i manage it! I have to say without all your support I wouldn't have got this far. Thank you so much FOR ALL YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT! and for the donations its just fantastic. I still can't seem to run without a weep here and there. I have found my running rhythm and it goes perfectly to our song Super Super Sam. Nearly at another month anniversary. 4 months.........rubbish
18th March
Bad news folks, my leg is injured! Really frustraited!!!!Grrrrr. Just having to rest it . Biking like a mad thing and swimming lots, so hope I will be ok on the day. Just not what I was planning. If you have any tips please let me know XXXXX
3rd March
Hi there,I've chosen to write in red as this is the colour of my face after running 10k in 1hour 5 mins!!!
Feeling pretty chuffed:)
The rollercoaster of emotions continues but this is definately helping. Im off to Bluebell Wood today, it will be the first time back since Sam died....deep breaths.
As always i hope life is being kind to you and your families. Thank you for all your support.X
25th Feb.
Just done 7.45 miles!!!!! it took me 1and a half hours but hey my leg are still working (just). Thanks for all the wonderful comments and donations. XXXXX
24th Feb
Hi there,
did a run yesterday and got friction burns on my bingo wings!!!!! That can't be right!
thanks you so much for all your support. please read on
lots of love XXX
18th Feb
Hi there, time for a quick update.
Had a rubbish chest infection and been having a break with family in Staithes. Fab time lots of walking but little running. I WILL be back on the streets of sheffield plodding again soon XXXX
Its been 2 months now without Sam. I do hope time is a healer.
As always, i hope life is being kind to you and a huge thank you for all your support
12th February 2010
Hello all,
Thank you for all your support. I thought you may like an update on how things are going. As you may be aware my dear Grandpa died on the 7th of February. I was lucky to be part of the care team to ensure he could stay at home. It was a mixture of emotions. Sam has trained me well and I feel I was able to help a lot with his care. Obviously it all is still very recent since my beautiful boy died. It was only 8 weeks on the 10th.
You may have thought this would have made training for the half marathon difficult. Well surprisingly I have managed really well. In fact I have been getting personal bests for all my runs! I think that running really is helping me cope with all this sadness. If I wasn't focused on this I reckon I would have hit the bottle big time and stayed in bed!
So that's where things are at the moment. I am so thankful for all the support you have given. It really is fantastic!
I'm off to Staithes for a bit of sea air and hopefully some good runs.
I do hope life is being kind to you.
Thank you for all you support
love RonaX