On Saturday 14 September, I will be walking 50km in the Thames Path Challenge to raise money for Princess Alice Hospice, where our great friend Mark Sidley died on 6 April 2012.  

I am doing this in recognition and thanks for what Princess Alice Hospice provided in the final days of Mark's life, and for Jo and the boys subsquently.  For the humanity and dignity it gave Mark at an impossibly tough time, through its top quality sensitive care.  For the support it gave Jo before, during and after Mark's death - specialist advice, understanding and unconditional kindness.   And for creating a family-friendly environment with space and fresh air, where Oscar, Jake, Jo and Mark could all be together.

It costs an average of £498 excluding drug costs to provide 24 hours care for each person at Princess Alice Hospice, and Mark spent nine days - or 216 hours - there.  If you are able to support this fundraising, please consider the hours of care they provided rather than the miles I am walking:

I hour's care costs £20.75

3 hour's care costs £62.25

6 hour's care costs £124.50

12 hour's care costs £249.00

24 hour's care costs £498.00

Thank you for your support.  I hope that together we can say thank you for the help Princess Alice Hospice gave Mark, Jo, Oscar and Jake, and help them to continue to help others at such a critical time.

Amanda