Nikki's London Marathon

In August 2018, my Mum spent 4 days and 4 nights at Sobell House in Oxford before sadly passing away peacefully on the 5th morning of her stay, with both me and my Dad by her side and holding her hands. 

Before she went to stay at Sobell House, she was still under their care. Ali Flint, a Sobell House community nurse came to see her every week to help her maintain her independence and keep her at home as long as possible.

I can't even begin to describe how amazing the staff at Sobell House are. They were so caring with my Mum, a few nurses in particular were indescribably amazing. They were so accommodating to me as well. I promised Mum that if she had to go into Sobell House that I would be right there with her and they helped me keep that promise. They gave me bedding and a place to shower as well as making sure I'd had something to eat so I could stay by my Mum's side the entire time. They also did the same for my Dad when he stayed with us as well.

Staying there for 4 days also gave me the opportunity to witness a small snapshot of how they help other patients at different stages on their journeys. The building itself is almost as wonderful as the staff. It doesn't feel like a sad place. It feels more like a sanctuary. The garden is beautiful.

I want to raise money for Sobell House so they can continue to provide such an amazing to service to those who need it. As many of you know, I began a weight loss and fitness journey 6 years ago during which I lost 35kg and went from running no more than 10 metres to running a Half Marathon. I have taken part in OCRs including a Tough Mudder Full, numerous 10k runs and I have maintained my new active lifestyle with a gym membership that I use on an almost daily basis.

I have never run any further than 13.1 miles (a half marathon) in one go. So to raise funds for Sobell House, I will be DOUBLING my mileage to the full 26.2 mile London Marathon. To be honest with you, I'll just be happy if I can make it all the way round, even happier if I can run the whole thing, but I'll be training for and hoping to do it within 04h30m to 04h45m. I'll be absolutely over the moon if I manage that.

Thank you so much for your support. It means a lot to me and to the people who Sobell House support, as well as their families and friends.

If you would like to learn more about Sobell House, please see below. Alternatively, you can visit their website at http://www.sobellhouse.org

Sobell House cares for people at the end of their lives and support their families, friends and carers. They have been doing it for more than 40 years. Every day, their staff care for around 150 people in the Hospice, the community and in the hospitals of Oxford University Hospitals Foundation Trust (OUH). They accompany patients and their families on perhaps the most difficult journey they will ever make.


The Sobell House staff focus on quality of life, respecting each person’s dignity and uniqueness. Their aim is to support people in living as well and as fully as possible in the time they have left. They help in so many different ways from managing pain and symptoms, to advising on access to financial assistance and enabling people to keep their independence for as long as possible. Patients are given the opportunity to take part in art therapy, music therapy and to benefit from complementary therapies such as reflexology and massage.

The staff strive to make sure patients are as calm and comfortable as possible and offer support to their families and friends when times are hard.




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