Hi all, thank you for taking the time to read the background story to why and how we are raising money for St Luke's Hospice. 

Ben is taking part in the annual Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit, on the 24th July 2021 -  in memory of my wonderful mum Judy Hayden. Unfortunately most of us have either lost a loved one or cared for a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer - some of us may have also used the fantastic service of St Luke's. 

We have decided as a family to support St Luke's via this event, due to their outstanding compassion and care they showed us as a family and my late mum Judy Hayden who sadly passed away last year on 23rd March 2020 (First day of lock down) at only 62 years old at the St Luke's Hospice in Turnchapel. 

Mum was diagnosed with end stage metastatic cancer at the end of February 2020, we only had 3 short weeks between the diagnosis to mum passing away. We knew that we didn't want mum's last week to be spent in a busy hospital ward in Derriford.

We reached out to the St Luke's Hospice team in Derriford who were able to offer mum a private room at the hospice in Turnchapel, where we were able to settle mum into her own room within the Hospice, and enjoy as a family our last week together in a calm environment, being looked after by the fantastic supportive nursing team. 

My mum was not a stranger to a lengthy stay in hospital, 14 years ago she underwent a brain tumour operation to try and remove a large tumour which was as 'hard as a golf ball' (Consultants words). Unfortunately, after a 24 hour surgery, mum also experienced a large bleed on the brain, resulting in a large stroke. This left her severely disabled, confined to a wheelchair needing care for the rest of her life. Recovering from the surgery and the stroke took 11 months in hospital before she was allowed home. This was why we were so determined she wouldn't have to spend another day in the 'hospital' setting.

We hope you will support Ben and his crew in this sailing pursuit and at the same time support a fantastic charity - in memory of my mum, the most beautiful, strongest, one of a kind women I have ever met. 

Sailing and fundraising whilst taking part in the Eddystone Pursuit for St Luke's can really make a difference. This fantastic annual event is a highlight in the sailing calendar year bringing together yachts and crews from all over our local area raising vital funds for many different charities including St Luke's Hospice Plymouth.At home, in hospital or at the St Lukes specialist unit based at Turnchapel, the funds I raise on this local sailing challenge will help St Luke's to continue to provide specialist care for patients and support for families.By taking part, I will be contributing towards the total St Luke's need to raise each year, and helping to care for somebody in our local community at a time they really need it.

Thank you for reading!