Story
The London Marathon has always been at the top of my bucket list.
I always knew I wanted to raise money towards a charity that focused on cancer, in memory of my mum and to the others who have battled cancer in my family.
After many years of unsuccessful marathon applications, this year I have been super lucky enough to be picked through my running club’s ballot! I am thrilled that I am able to run the marathon, but equally excited to have the opportunity to run for Rennie Grove Hospice Care*.
This is why…
My mum died of an aggressive form of breast cancer when I was only four years old. She was only 38. It’s not something well known to many of you, clearly this happened a long time ago. Plus my sister and I have been so fortunate to grow up under the love and care of our (step) mum Sue ❤
As a two year old and four year old, my sister and I had no recollection of additional support my mum or family received during this horrendous time.
Once I found out about my place in the marathon I asked my aunt if there was any charities that had any input in our lives. I did not know about Rennie Grove until I received the following message from her:
"Actually I didn’t have to think too hard about a charity that was wonderful in helping your mum and also in supporting your dad and both of you although you won’t remember as you were too young. They were Rennie Grove. It is a very local charity that has grown over the years but was small when your mum needed help. They cared for her at home, day and overnight too.
They were so caring for all of us. I met up with them again six months later when I was supporting my closest friends and was there on a daily basis too. They were very concerned about me coping with the same sad situation a short time later. I can never speak more highly of them and always support them. They have now grown, thanks to donations and fund raising, so they can provide hospice at home care for sick children and parents and have been able to build a hospice too.
I definitely think you should consider them in your choice of charity. It is not only for cancer victims but all terminal illnesses for children and adults. I would say that the big and well known charities always get a lot of support from the public. It is the little known smaller ones that need the support more.
Hope that helps with your decision."
The moment I read this (aside from bursting into tears!) I knew this is the charity that I wanted to support.
Rennie Grove is not a research leader in tackling cancer nor are they particularly well known charity. But to me, they are wonderful people who loved and cared for my mum and my family when there was no more that could be done to save her life. And the best way I can think to say thank you is to run for them in memory of my mum.
So thank you for your generous donations and support in helping me meet this monumental challenge, it really means a lot xx
*Rennie Grove Hospice Care was previously know as Iain Rennie Hospice when they cared for my mum.
Rennie Grove Hospice Care
Our vision is that patients with life-limiting illness in our area can choose how and where they want to be cared for towards the end of life. We provide 24/7 responsive Hospice at Home care; a range of day services and support for all the family during the illness and through bereavement.