This story is for Dad:

He was a Paediatric Surgeon
 (Actually spelled “Pediatric” in America). And unlike the doctors we
hear about in the States charging exorbitant amounts for their services, his patients were usually children from young parents often struggling and many receiving financial assistance. One day I told him how much I was charged for routine knee surgery, outraged he replied “do you know how much I charge for an esophageal fistula??? Eight hundred dollars!!”
Needless to say that Dad was never in it for the money. He was on call
all hours and with very few days off. He loved people, loved helping
them and loved his work. In 1972, He was left paralyzed by a botched
routine disc surgery requiring a year of recovery. This left him
permanently disabled, with extreme nerve paraesthesia, but his driving
love for helping others never stopped him from returning to practise
surgery for 11 more years and retiring as an inspirational figure to the
 next generation of physicians.

He was an incredibly brave, strong and resilient man.

Dad developed heart problems years later. Congestive heart failure causes the afflicted to be starved of oxygen and as it advances, even pure oxygen doesn’t help as the patient struggles to breathe. Yes, the above part of the story is very sad, but the hospice care Dad received was incredibly uplifting. Every morning, the nurse arrived and much like Dad had done years before – they worked tirelessly – only this time Dad was the recipient.
My father’s bravery never wavered and when it was time, he was ready and he was at peace. It was the hospice that made the all difference and
their gift to Dad was his final inspiration. Our family is so grateful
for the peace and comfort that they gave to him. Dad did so much for so
many and he is my inspiration, so this is for him:

Ronald W. Cooke MD

Now, as many may or may not know, on 7th March I will be taking part in The Male Trail event for Rowcroft Hospice - a truly remarkable organisation giving hope to struggling individuals and their families at their most difficult times in their lives and without a single charge. Yes that's right, zero cost to these families, so that everyone can focus on what's most important - dignity and respect without the distraction of financial burdens to come.

This place gives so much compassion and love to people in their end stage of life. Please help us to help them by supporting our event.

With heartfelt thanks,

Rufus