On 3rd July 2018, I sadly lost my amazing Mum after a short, but incredibly brave and strong battle with cancer. It all happened so quickly from diagnosis to her passing and if I'm honest, I still can't quite believe what has happened. We spent the weekend prior to her diagnosis with my parents and some friends, two days before she was first admitted to hospital with any symptoms. She walked for miles that day and spent the evening eating, drinking, laughing and joking. There was no signs that just a few days later all of our lives would be turned upside down, with the news that she had two large masses in her abdomen and the ultimate news that there was noting that could be done.

During her final weeks, Mum was looked after at Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield. They were brilliant and I will never be able to show my gratitude to all who cared for her with only words. It was the small things, cooking extra meals to whatever Mum fancied at the time, moving her bed outside so she could feel the sun on face or even wiping her dry mouth with Gin and Tonic (her favorite tipple). They made Mum's last weeks full of happiness and joy, in what was the worst few weeks of my families lives. I want to give something back to these incredible people at Ashgate Hospice. It's the least I can do and if it means that another patient can get the same brilliant care that my Mum received, then I've achieved what I'm setting out to do.  

Ashgate Hospice largely functions on donations and volunteers. I plan to complete Ironman UK on 14th July 2019 in memory of her. An ironman is the ultimate triathlon. A 2.4mile swim, a 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run, all in a row and under the cut off time of 17 hours. I told Mum I was going to do this in her final weeks and she said something like "Don't be so bloody stupid"!. However, she knows that once an idea is in my head, I will always make sure I complete it, something that I undoubtedly get from her.

Ashgate hospice means so so much to my family, having practically lived there throughout the summer. They do so much for you, in the hardest of times. I will become an ironman for you Mum and hopefully raise a lot of much needed funds for Ashgate at the same time. I'll do you proud x x

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