"Lynda was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in early
December 2013. Lynda and I made the decision to stop the chemotherapy treatment as it made her feel so poorly. She then underwent treatment at two local hospitals which didn’t help either.

Lynda then went to Manorlands who were brilliant and sorted her palliative care package. She then went back to a local hospital but sadly she started to go downhill quickly. Lynda was adamant she
didn’t want to die in hospital. The family were relieved to get her back into Manorlands for the last few weeks of her illness. We stayed together for nine weeks until she passed away on the 10th of March 2013 Mother’s Day.

Manorlands were absolutely brilliant day and night. Lynda’s care was amazing. There was always someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, and at times to laugh together as a family. They took so much pressure of and helped Lynda, me and all the family’"  Words from Lynda’s Husband Phil.

I met Phil Cox the year after Lynda’s death.  Though clearly grieving, Phil faced each day with energy, humour and determination.  When we met at family get-togethers, he’d speak about his life with Lynda and her illness regularly.

At one of these get togethers, I was wearing a new pair of Dr Martin’s and spent some time drawing attention to my new purchase. Phil admired my shoes and told me that Lynda had bought herself a pair of DM’s, on a good day, but hadn’t had the opportunity to wear them much. He hadn’t been able to throw them away and wondered if I would like them as they were almost new - I said yes!

A few weeks later I received Lynda’s pair of nearly new brown leather, fur lined, Dm’s. Whilst trying them on I began to visualise when and where I would wear them, the adventures we would go on, the outfits that would match the style. DM’S last a long time and there are lots of opportunities to wear them. This inevitably led me to consider what Linda might have been thinking when she bought them for herself.  

We have all faced a turbulent few years. We’ve all been feeling it-leaving the house to face new challenges, feeling anxious, unmotivated but now when tying the laces of Lynda’s boot's I always remember that I am here, putting my boots on and for that I am grateful. It’s an unexpected and valuable gift that came with the DM’s. 

I would like to run the London marathon with the boots on, however, I don’t think they will hold up so instead I will pin a photo of them to my running vest and remember Lynda. xx

Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice is in Oxenhope, near Keighley. As well as expert palliative care, they support people with life-limiting conditions, and their families. Many people in our community have been helped by their work at the most difficult of times. The London Marathon enables the single, largest donation in their financial year. Please take the time to add a little something to truly amazing service.