Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In 2019 I was privileged to meet Julia and Jeff…...it was a chance meeting as such, Rich was selling a car and they came to have a look at it and to subsequently buy it off us.

Why you ask am I telling you this ! Well when they came to collect it I got chatting with Julia who told me that they were buying it for their son’s impending 18th birthday. I commented how nice that was and Julia went on to explain how Charlie is a twin and that they had sadly lost his brother Harry suddenly at the age of 4. He tragically died in his sleep in 2004 due to an undiagnosed heart condition.

It really touched me being a parent myself and gave me lots of food for thought in the days that followed.

Since that day, I’ve stayed in touch with Julia and Jeff and have got to know them.

I learnt that after losing Harry they were supported by Hope House Children’s Hospice and continue to be supported by them today. They were able to use the Hospice’s ‘Snowflake’ suite which is a room specially designed so that parents can be with their deceased children before the funeral. This enabled them to sit with Harry and say their goodbyes in a warm loving environment, which meant a great deal to both Julia and Jeff.

I also learnt that since losing Harry they have tirelessly been organising fundraising events with Hope House every year. More recently it has been the annual Duck Race and I know some of you will have sponsored ducks in the past. Since 2005 they have raised in excess of £54,000 which I’m sure you’ll agree is no mean feat !

Since getting to know Julia and Jeff, I have joined them in their campaign to raise funds for Hope House. I’m sure you’ll agree they do such amazing work supporting more than 750 local families who are either caring for a terminally ill child, or whose child has died.

It costs the hospice £6.5 million every year to run their services and 86% of this is spent on care. Approximately one month’s income comes from statutory sources and for the other 11 months of the year they are dependent on public support.

Their ambition is to raise an additional £2.5 million each year to make sure they reach every child, mum, dad, brother and sister who needs their help.

Hope House’s vision is to ensure that children who are affected by conditions so serious that they’re not expected to live longer than early adulthood, enjoy together with their families the best possible quality of life - with access to specialist care and bereavement support, when and where they need it.

They support young people and their families in Shropshire, Cheshire, Mid and North Wales, by helping them to be as comfortable, happy and fulfilled as they can be. They do this by providing specialist nursing and palliative care at home, in the community, at Hope House and at T? Gobaith; emotional and practical help to parents and other family members and bereavement support and specialist counselling to any family after the death of their child.

So it is set against this backdrop that I initially decided to take on and complete the Manchester Marathon in October and to raise funds for this very worthwhile charity in the process.

However, as is so often the case...life threw me a curve ball ! I found out earlier this year that I've got a damaged right hip socket and so on the consultant's advice, running a marathon is currently out of the question for me. 

In light of this news, I have now decided to take part in a triathlon event in May 2023 which comprises of a 6K SUP, 36K Mountain Bike and a 10K Trail Run ! I'm currently in training on all fronts :-)    

Any donation no matter how small will be greatly appreciated and will not only help Hope House and the children and families who need their help. But it will also be a fantastic help in getting me over that finish line at 26.2 miles !!!

So please dig deep and support this fabulous charity.

Love to you all,

Susie

xxx