I have set up this fundraising page for my mum, Sandra Croft who died on the 20th January 2014, aged 50.

We will be completing a zip line across Runcorn Bridge on the 14th September 2014 and all donations will go to The Woodlands Hospice.

Why are we doing this, well..

My Mum was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma grade 4 brain tumor in May 2013, she was given 12-14 months to live. On hearing this news, the upset, pain and anger felt by everyone was unbearable - apart from one person, my Mum.

My mum never complained, not once. She faced chemotherapy, radiotherapy, losing her hair, various indignities and set backs, all face on with a smile, a joke and an occasional muddled up story. When everyone should have been strong for her, she was at times the strongest of us all.

On finishing 6 weeks chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Clatterbridge she returned home, stronger and more determined to fight than ever. At Clatterbridge, me and my mum talked about 'milestones' she was going to achieve. My brother Ken's birthday in August, her granddaughter Isla's 1st birthday in September, my Dad Kenny's birthday in November, Christmas, New Year and my 30th birthday January 17th.

My mum achieved all of the milestones we discussed, against all the odds. A major part of that was down to the Woodlands Hospice.

My mum found out about the Woodlands hospice when she left Clatterbridge. She was encouraged to attend the day centre on Mondays to help her gain some independence and also speak to other people going through similar situations. I remember speaking to my mum after she attended the first session. She told me "it's ok, everyone is nice but not sure it's for me but I'll give it another go next week". She did, and she continued to attend and it gave her a massive lift. We enjoyed 3 great months between August-October with my mum and I've no doubt Woodlands helped with this. She even painted a fantastic picture at the day centre that my Dad still has framed in his kitchen now as it is that good!! We'd have never have thought my mum was an artist!

My mum become a 'poster girl' for Woodlands helping to drive donations and was pictured in the Liverpool Echo and on the Woodlands website. (Picture on this page)

Her association with Woodlands changed from a once weekly visit to full time on the 18th December 2013 when she seriously deteriorated after finding out that the tumor had grown back and was admitted into the hospice. She had the choice of other hospices, but her wish was to go to Woodlands to be with the friends she had made at the Monday sessions.

She was given days to live on admittance to Woodlands but survived 33 days. The care and love she was given was second to none. The care and love also stretched to the whole family. When I talked about milestones, the 17th January was one of them - my 30th birthday - 3 days before she died. The staff at Woodlands recognised that and unbeknown to me and my family they decided to decorate my mums room with 30th banners, balloons and a cake at the stroke of midnight so I could celebrate my birthday with my mum one last time - I'll be forever grateful for that moment they gave me.

I found out about the Zip Line across Runcorn Bridge while staying at Woodlands and I didn't think twice about wanting to sign up. On discussing it with family and friends there was an interest from them to also do it with me to help raise additional funds to thank the Woodlands Hospice. Chris Berry, Ian Travers, Kenny Croft, Ken Croft, Sandra Harper, Germaine Skinley, Carl Gillam, Denise Roberts and myself have signed up and are looking to raise at least £200 each to achieve a combined total of £1800. Other family and friends are currently looking to sign up to, and if so the combined target total will increase by £200 per person once they have signed up.

Any donation is much appreciated.

Thank You

Ian x