In September 2023 our lives changed forever when my husband Dan was diagnosed with Terminal Cancer.

Right from the start, the Hospice of St Francis were stood by our sides. Dan was supported by a wonderful palliative care nurse, Wendy, had access to physio, and was given the opportunity to attend exercise sessions and support groups. I was supported by Lucy, helping me with my newfound role as a carer through one to one sessions and a support group. My son Oliver had counselling support by Donna through the Guardian programme, enabling him to better cope with the situation we found ourselves in.

As Dans condition deteriorated, we were provided with the equipment we needed to manage at home, keeping him comfortable until it was time for him to stay at the Hospice as an inpatient. On arrival at the inpatient unit, all our family and friends were treated with dignity, care and understanding. The nurses were wonderful in the care they gave Dan, ensuring his passing was peaceful and as exactly he wished it to be.

Following Dan’s passing in August 2024, The Hospice of St Francis have also continued to support us through the bereavement services.

We never wanted to life to turn out the way it did, but the Hospice helped to make this journey the best it could be, enabling Dan to fulfil his wishes in the way he was cared for at the end of his life.

The thing is none of this comes cheap, it costs at least £6m for the Hospice to provide its services to over 2000 patients and their families each year, 80% of which, must be raised through fundraising.

The need for Hospice services is also increasing with referrals up by 40% since 2022. A donation of £33 for instance, could fund one hour of rehabilitation to improve mobility; £53 funds a visit to a patients home, and £178 provides a nurse for a day.

I want to give something back to this wonderful Hospice, and so I have signed up to walk the Ridgeway path at the start of May. Its 87 miles from Avebury, Wiltshire to our lovely Ivinghoe Beacon just a couple of miles from where I live, and somewhere Dan, the Kids, Alfie and I would spend most of our summers. This will take five days, walking an average of 17 miles a day. Amelia will join me on the last day and walk a half marathon distance.

I have started training with walks along the River Lune while in Lancaster, and with my good friends around Berkhamsted. It won’t be an easy challenge but I am committed it giving it my all as the Hospice did for us.

Please support me in my endeavours to thank the Hospice of St Francis.

Thank you.