As many of you will know, we sadly lost our wonderful Ben in August last year, only three short months after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Ben was, without a doubt, the best person I have ever met. He was my person. He was a wonderful partner, brother, son, friend, uncle, and colleague. Everyone who met Ben, loved him. Loved his charm, his cheekiness, his kindness, his willingness to do anything for anyone (only asking for a Chinese takeaway or a Red Bull in return!). Throughout his short illness, he maintained this inspirational level of selflessness and even during his final weeks and days, he was still determined to put everyone else first.

As I’ve been muddling through life without him, it feels really important to do something to honour him and honour the people and places that supported us through our incredibly difficult journey.

The Hospice of the Good Shepherd became a lifeline for us during the three weeks that Ben was an inpatient there. The level of care that Ben, and also I, received, was nothing short of incredible. Nothing was too much trouble. Even after Ben’s death, the Hospice’s support remains, and I continue to receive counselling to help navigate through my grief.

After Ben was admitted to the Hospice, we were shocked to hear how much they have to rely on fundraising and donations. The thought that this invaluable service has an uncertain future doesn’t bear thinking about. These wonderful people do not get nearly enough credit or funding for the work that they do. Ben was in agreement, and even as his illness progressed, he was passionate about raising money for the Hospice and keen to make sure their work was recognised.

I want to do my bit to make sure that families in the future, who may find themselves in the same awful position that we did, receive the care and support they deserve at the worst time of their lives.

I have therefore challenged myself to run the Chester half marathon in May, to raise money for the Hospice. It may not seem like that much of a challenge, but I hate running, I am terrible at running. Ben would laugh at this idea and tell me I’d never stick with it. But this is important, and I’m determined to do it and make him proud.

I am very lucky to have such wonderful friends and family who have been the best support over the last year and long before. Several of these lovely people have decided to run the half marathon with me. Shout out to Kim, Lizzie and Jenny! I am very grateful for their support, but slightly annoyed because it means that I can’t back out now...

I know many of you have already donated to the Hospice in memory of Ben and I am so incredibly grateful. There is zero pressure. I just want to do what I can to honour Ben’s memory and make him proud.

Any spare pennies, training tips, or messages of support and motivation would be very much appreciated.

Thank you

Alice xxx

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