Since setting up this fundraising challenge for the Pilgrims Hospice, it is with deepest regret and sadness that Andrea has sadly passed away within the last couple of weeks whilst under the care of the Margate Pilgrims Hospice. This has made the cause even more poignant as the care that was provided to Andrea towards the end was respectful and with dignity.

The hospice throughout this time assisted Mark and the family at home with support and compassion so Andrea could stay in the home she loved for as long as possible.

Andy Barrs, Andy Philpott and Mark Scholefield are doing the Lake District 100K run (9000ft elevation) in June ‘24 for The Pilgrims Hospice. The hospice has provided a huge amount of support to our family members and our colleagues. We are currently out training in the North Downs every weekend for 3 or 4 hours in all conditions; mud, rain, snow and cold winds. It gives Mark something positive to focus on and a few hours to get away from it all. This just giving page is for our friends, family and work colleague to donate. We have some major runs and marathons planned as part of our training plan, including this years London. Marathon.

Message from Andy Barrs.......

My brother passed away after a 10 year battle with Multiple Myeloma Cancer, diagnosed when he was 35. I donated my bone marrow as part of his treatment and I was also harvested for Lymphocyte cells each year (blood product) to boost his fight against the cancer. Ultimately he passed away at 45 in the hospice and during this time the staff were amazing throughout his care. I am no longer able to help him directly, so running and raising money for causes he would support is my drive to do these crazy things. But of course right now it is about supporting a friend and colleague at a very difficult time.

Joe was an SE1 at Ramsgate who was taken suddenly in 2023 following a very brief fight with Pancreatic cancer, he was just 37 years of age. Joe went from being well and at work. to passing away in the hospice in just 8 weeks. He was able to marry his long time partner just a week before he passed away, he is missed by all his friends and colleagues at Ramsgate.

Message from Mark........

My wife Andrea suddenly collapsed over Christmas in 2022 and was subsequently diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma brain tumour, this has led to a roller coaster year of operations, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and recovery. During this time Andrea continues to fight amazingly hard, her tenacious strength and determination evident throughout this time as is the wonderful support provided by her loving close family and friends and also, from the staff at Pilgrims Hospice at Margate. The service Pilgrims Hospice has provided at the hardest of times has been invaluable from just giving us the time, providing advice/support and therapy, this has been such a help to Andrea and us as a family. I cannot express how much this has meant to us but will totally echo Andy's words that the staff are absolutely amazing in what they do. The charity needs all the help to fund this amazing service to be able to continue their important work to support families in difficult times. Hence the run to help.

For Andy P, it is all about supporting Mark. Their 2 families share a friendship outside of work and Mark and Andrea's situation has had a massive affect on Andy and his family. Andy has also lost loved ones that spent time in or had support from the hospice, but again he wants to support a charity that has and continues to be a great support for Mark and families that are going through similar circumstances.

At its heart, Pilgrims is dedicated to providing skilled and compassionate care, free of charge, to people living with an incurable illness in East Kent. Their vision is that people with a life-limiting illness are supported and empowered to live well in mind and body, making the most of the time they have. They care for over 2,500 patients a year, at their 3 inpatient units in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford, their therapy centres, or in patients’ own homes. With 80% of their funding being voluntary contributions, your support cannot be overstated.