This is the first time that I have undertaken any kind of distance event, having never been a long-distance runner, even in my much younger, and much fitter days... The reason I am doing this is outlined below.

I have been aware of St.Barnabas House Hospice for a while, as it is local to where my family live. It was not until recently though that I had cause to visit. My Nan was diagnosed earlier this year with throat cancer and despite still managing to live on her own at 92, with a lot of support from my mum, it became increasingly difficult till the point that she was admitted to St.Barnabas in November. By this point she was barely able to eat and was getting weaker, needing constant help and support. From the decision being made that she could be admitted to the hospice it was less than 24 hours before they had a room for her. Since the minute she was admitted, the care that she has received has been unbelievable. The hospice itself has an incredibly warm feel to it and from the nurses to the volunteers it cannot be faulted. Nan has her own private room and has been made as comfortable as possible with nothing being too much trouble. Family and friends have been able to visit whenever they like and are always made to feel welcome whatever the time, and no matter the coming and going. We celebrated Nan's 93rd birthday with her in St.Barnabas and despite everything she smiled through it all.

Nan has been a constant part of the lives of my brothers and I since day one. From the early days of baking rock buns with her in her kitchen, to her and Grandad living with us as we grew up, to her supporting all of us in all that we have done, we couldn't have asked for a better Nan. She has done everything with a smile and taken all our teasing in great humour. She has quietly taught us all many lessons that I for one hope to pass on to my children in the future. Even given the advancement of her cancer, and the tumor making swallowing more and more difficult and uncomfortable, she has smiled. If I had to describe Nan it would be, always smiling!

I can't begin to express how grateful we are as a family for everything that St.Barnabas have done for Nan, Betty Hoad. She is an incredible person that has been a huge influence in the lives of many people and none more so than her daughters, my four brothers and I, our cousins and her two great grandsons. 

The end of a life is always going to be an emotional time for friends and family. If the trauma of the build up to this point can be made easier in any way at all then that is an amazing thing to offer. St.Barnabas House provide exactly that and will always have my gratitude for allowing my Nan dignity and comfort towards the end of her long and beautiful life. 

The charity has to raise 6 million a year to run and anything that you can donate will make it possible for other people to receive the same level of kindness and treatment at the end of their lives. I have set a target to raise, but to smash this would be amazing. Please give what you can and thank you whole heartedly in advance.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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