David's page

David McWilliams is raising money for Saint Francis Hospice

Team: Remembering Lee Howell

In memory of Lee Howell
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Saint Francis Hospice is a leading provider of palliative care for people living in Havering, Brentwood, Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham. We care for people from 18 years of age, of any race or religion, who have a life limiting illness due to cancer, heart disease, motor neurone disease or respiratory disease and we provide physical, spiritual and emotional care and support to patients and their families.

Story

I would like to dedicate this event in memory of Lee Howell and in support of his gorgeous wife Claire by raising funds for Saint Francis Hospice.

For the last year I have been mercilessly and repeatedly pounding the same 2km route within a restricted / secure compound in West Africa, occasionally attending the odd Tough Mudder, Rat Race or half marathon with the goal of completing my first (and probably last!) Ultra Marathon.

On Saturday 20th June I'll be lining up on the start line in Carlisle with Alex MacDonald in the hope of making it through 69 miles of 'beautiful northern terrain'.

Lee and Claire are an amazing couple who have dealt with the most challenging and heartbreaking events with such inspirational humility and bravery. I only ever met Lee briefly towards the end of his battle but it is clear that he was a man of legendary proportions and a true gentleman.

Lee was a fit & healthy 47 year old when he was diagnosed with a grade 4 brain tumour. He was given 12-18 months to live. Lee was introduced to the Hospice about a year after diagnosis and attended the day centre weekly, where he met others in a similar situation. It allowed the staff at the Hospice to get to know Lee and Claire whilst also providing counseling to Claire.

Lee was eventually admitted to the Hospice in October 2014 and spent his final weeks there. He was treated with such care and dignity by the staff. They looked after his day to day needs which meant Claire could be his wife again and not his carer. The Hospice became their home from home, with Lee's precious dog Storm allowed for visits. Lee, Claire and their friends were also able to keep up their weekly ritual of a curry, which friends were allowed to bring in.
 
Claire has said that she doesn't know how she would have coped had it not been for the Hospice and she continues to receive bereavement counseling.
 
Please help me raise some money for these amazing and selfless people.
 
 

Donation summary

Total
£2,266.00
+ £407.03 Gift Aid
Online
£2,266.00
Offline
£0.00

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