In memory of Dad, and in support of everyone facing the unimaginable, I’m running these races to raise money for Sobell House Hospice. Please donate if you can, or simply help spread the word. Every step I run is for Dad, and for Sobell House.

In October 2025 and April 2026, I’ll be running the Oxford Half Marathon and the London Marathon in memory of my amazing Dad, and in support of Sobell House Hospice—a very special place.

In April 2023, our family received the devastating news that Dad had terminal cancer. Even while living with pain, he remained hopeful and determined, optimistic that he might somehow keep fighting. That strength carried him through the following months, and in September, he was admitted to Sobell House—initially for respite care, just to get his pain under control. Sadly, he ended up staying, and in the most heartbreaking of times, Sobell House became his final place of rest.

But what a place to be. Without Sobell House, the alternatives would have been a busy hospital ward or being at home—both of which we experienced briefly, and neither offered the peace or support we so desperately needed. While the NHS does an incredible job, nothing compares to the care, calm, and compassion we found at Sobell House.

At home, Mum was incredible - she cared for Dad around the Clock with so much strength and love. However we were sitting on a knife edge—waiting for the next call from the Palliative team or Oncology, wondering when help might arrive. It was a scary, uncertain place to be. But at Sobell House, everything changed. There was a nurse just down the corridor. And though it’s hard to describe, the environment they’ve created isn’t clinical or overwhelming; it’s gentle, warm, and human. It’s not in your face—but somehow, it gets you through.

We visited every day, often for hours, and never once did it feel like I was intruding or overstaying. We had time. We had space. We had moments to laugh, reflect, and just be together. That’s something I’ll carry with me forever.

Dad was our rock—reliable, honest, hardworking, and endlessly loving. He was also the joker, the first on the dance floor, the "bad joke" king, and the guy singing ditties at the most unexpected times. He lived with joy, pride, and an unwavering sense of duty. Even when faced with the end, he was thinking of others—making sure the house was sorted for Mum, and continuing to make us laugh.

Losing him has left a huge hole in our lives, and not a day goes by that we don’t miss him. But we also feel lucky—lucky to have had such an incredible dad, and lucky that we had Sobell House to support us through his final days.

Sobell House has supported not only us, but many of our friends and relatives, including my uncle earlier this year. Their role in our community is absolutely vital—and they need all the fundraising help they can get to keep providing this incredible care to other families going through the hardest of times.

Thank you so much for your support