My beautiful, brave Mum had been fighting metastatic kidney cancer for two years and she was responding positively to her treatment. But then on her 70th birthday, in February 2018, she suddenly went into decline and all of a sudden the doctors were talking to us about palliative care and telling us that Mum had short weeks to live. 

We were lucky enough to get a place at the Duchess of Kent Hospice and the care Mum received was incredible. It was such a comfort that in her last days she was surrounded by so many family and friends. Her young grandchildren were able to visit freely, as were our dogs, who she loved dearly. After a traumatic and turbulent two weeks in various hospitals, Mum’s final days at Duchess of Kent were an oasis of calm and her passing on 9th March 2018 was peaceful and dignified. But their care didn’t end with Mum’s death, staff still contact us to check how we are and to give us support with our grief. I can’t thank the staff at Duchess of Kent enough and so running the London Marathon to raise money for the hospice is a great honour. 

Sue Ryder supports people through the most difficult times of their lives. Whether that’s a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one or a neurological condition – we’re there when it matters. Our doctors, nurses and carers give people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can.