Hello and thank you for taking the time to come onto my page and read this. As you will know, I sadly lost my mum in June 2018. This was following a year long battle with secondary breast cancer, and although I knew she had a life limiting disease, I wasn't prepared for just how short a time it was. 

When we realised the situation that mum needed 24 hour care, we wanted nothing more than for her to come home, she wanted to come home too. Unfortunately this just wasn't practical as we didn't have the facilities at home, and it wouldn't have been fair on her. 

We were advised to look at specialist nursing homes, or potentially the hospice. When mum was given these options, she made the decision to stay in the hospice. After a week long stay in the hospital, we moved into the hospice. 

When we went to the hospice, we were not aware that they typically only take patients for a week to 10 days. Mum was there for just over a month. 

I cannot express to you just how fantastic this place is. As you can imagine, this was the darkest time for mum, me, Thomas, Elaine, David and the boys. The hospice had the most incredible staff, I cried on just about all of the nurses shoulders. Each one of them helped to pull me together so mum wouldn't see me in a state. The doctors, doctor Craig in particular, were all lovely and genuinely cared about mum. The volunteers were all fabulous and they have a lovely kitchen team too! 

The facilities are lovely - far better than a lot of hotels we stayed in!

The most important thing is that mum was comfortable, the level of care provided was phenomenal. I honestly don't know how the staff there do what they do. There is something special about every single one of them. I know I would never be strong enough to do what they do. 

I still visit the hospice as I am receiving bereavement counselling. I'm not ashamed to admit that I have needed help, as I have really struggled with this. These sessions are really helping me and are provided free from the hospice. 

Just to put into context how much care costs:

£12.89 will pay for a child to attend a monthly bereavement session

£30.06 will pay for patient care for 1 hour in the hospice

£49.62 will pay for a therapy session for 2 patients - mum had a couple of massages whilst being there!

£68.80 will pay for a specialist PAH nurse to visit a patient at their home

I can't express to you just how difficult this has been, and how much the hospice helped. This is why I have decided to take part in this event, in my mum's memory. The hospice is only part funded by the government which is why it is vital to raise money for them so they can keep up their incredible care and let other people die with the dignity they deserve. 

I am petrified of heights so I know stepping off the edge is going to be one of the most terrifying things I will do. It's all in memory of my amazing, wonderful mum who I miss very much which makes it worth doing it! 

Thank you for reading this and for your sponsor. It is hugely appreciated.