My Dad was a fit, strong, healthy man. He swam three times a week with his friends at the "early birds" club, he was slim, walked lots and was just starting to enjoy his retirement.

A "grafter" is how I'd describe my Dad - he worked two jobs and always did his own house renovations and car maintenance. In my eyes there was nothing he couldn't fix!

One weekend in early November 2003 I just felt that something wasn't quite right at home in Stoke-on-Trent. I packed the car on Friday evening and together with Charlii, who was 7 at the time, we drove the 3.5 hours to Stoke - slightly apprehensive as I wasn't quite sure why we were going!

I packed my trainers as I was running 3 to 4 times a week at that time and when I arrived in Stoke I left them in the hallway for my early morning run.

Dad had a dreadful cough - but told me not to make a fuss! He was breathless and really sounded dreadful. Saturday morning the trainers never got used as I insisted that I take Dad to the local walk-in centre. From there he "blue lighted" to A&E and admitted to hospital.

Just over two weeks later he died in hospital - diagnosed with a very nasty form of skin cancer. I will always regret that we weren't able to move Dad home or to a Hospice to make those last days more comfortable and peaceful.

For the last four years I have been a Trustee at St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood and I have seen the incredible work that the team there do to provide superb home and hospice care.

The clinical care is excellent and the whole team are passionate about the experience they provide for patients and families at such an important time.

1 in 3 families rely on hospice care at the end of life and in order to deliver this they need to raise funds to supplement the small percentage that the NHS contributes each year to their funding.

The Inpatient unit, day therapy and community services all need us to help them to keep this service running 24/7 so that patients like my Dad can choose to die in dignity with their family around them.

I've got my trainers back on to raise money in memory of my Dad for St Clare Hospice - please help me to make it a worthwhile journey.

Many, many thanks for whatever you are able to contribute - it all makes a difference! xx