Date: 18th October 2019 7pm, South Park Darlington.

Everyone has their own reason for taking part in this event and for wanting to raise money for St. Teresa's Hospice and this is mine.

Over the years I have known friends and family who have been supported by St.Teresa's at difficult times.

St.Teresa's looked after my Grandad in his last days before he passed away on the 18th October 2004. They also gave the family a lot of support in this time and afterwards.

In 2017 my Dad's cancer came back and it was terminal. It was a tough time for all us in the family. In July 2017 he got worse and we had arranged for him to go to St.Teresa's for restpite care. Unfortunately he passed away before going there. The staff from St.Teresa's were very supportive in those last days and this has continued since.

Losing a loved one is always hard and it often doesn't hit us until later on. Earlier this year I realised I wasn't coping very well with my grief. I didn't know what to do or where to get help. Then I remembered the offer of bereavement counselling from St.Teresa's Family Support. Even though it was over a year since my Dad had died they still offered me the support I needed. They provided a safe space for me to talk about how I was feeling. I can't stress how important this was and what a difference it made to me. I can't say thank you enough.

I want to highlight the many services St. Teresa's provide and raise money for them. 

Taking part in this event is my way to say thank you to them in a small way.

The event is the 18th October. This would have been my Dad's Birthday and it is also the 15th Anniversary since my Grandad died so it feels fitting that I am taking part in this event on this day this year.

Times are hard but if you can donate whatever you can afford I would very grateful.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.