Please help me raise money for Ashgate Hospice by donating to my just giving page in support of me completing the London Marathon in April next year.

I feel very fortunate to be given the opportunity to run for such a fantastic charity. My dad unfortunately has recently lost his fight with cancer and through the later stages we were lucky enough to be given support from Ashgate Hospice. Not only did they help with dad’s medical needs but they were a fantastic support with us all as a family. Helping us deal with our emotions and the trauma which occurs throughout caring for your loved one at such a difficult time. The empathy and compassion of all the staff at the hospice is truly heartwarming. We cannot thank them enough for their help, both at home and within the hospice.

Every penny donated really will make a difference in ensuring this wonderful place continues to help other unfortunate families at a time when it is needed the most.

I have written a poem to try and express my feelings and to thank the hospice for all their support:

Ashgate Hospice

Watching your loved one start to fade away

Makes you feel anxious and scared to say

You panic and struggle

bottle it up

Try your best but it’s just not enough

You know now you can’t do it alone

So the angels from Ashgate come to your home

You whisked dad away to your beautiful place

To take over his care and give us some space

The love, compassion and care you give

Is so sincere and comes from deep within

What you do is beyond belief

And for us it gave so much relief

You helped us to enjoy and embrace

Our final moments with a smile on our face

We are so lucky to have you here

Can’t believe it’s only made possible with fund raising each year

Our thanks will never be enough

for all the help you gave to us.

Thank you

Training for the London marathon is a daunting task, it scares me to think, it’s more than my body can ask.

I put in the miles, to give me the chance, of completing an iconic race, to say a huge thanks.

It’s a battle and it hurts but helps with the grief, of losing my dad who I know is here, giving me the belief.

The goal is to raise as much money as I can, to give to Ashgate hospice for taking such good care, of a wonderful man.

The kind words of support, people continue to give, makes me feel humbled, to be part of the community where I live.

Friends and family have helped fundraise for me, to reach a total, way more, than I ever thought it could be.

Thank you to everyone, for giving so much, its because of what Ashgate do, why our hearts are so touched.

Having walked through the wards and seen for myself, the love they give, just drives me to help.

A very special place where no words can describe, please continue to support me until I cross the finish line.

London Marathon 2025's #TeamAshgate is full of wonderful runners this year, all working hard to raise money for Ashgate Hospice. We provide specialist palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses across North Derbyshire. Ashgate hospice also provides support for the families of those we care for, and all our services are available in the community, patients own homes, and in our 21-bed in-patient unit located in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Help our team reach their fundraising targets as they take on one of the most iconic races in the world: The London Marathon!