My Dad was the Chief of our tribe.

I’m not exactly sure when we started referring to him this way, but I think it may have been around the time we all started to leave home for university. Dad started referring to us as a ‘Tribe’ and so we made him ‘The Chief’. I think he understood the need for us to remain connected. We all remained members of the tribe, no matter what we did, or how far we travelled. Needless to say, it worked, and we remain a very close family to this day.

In November of 2022 we were faced with reality of losing our Chief. Dad had been living with a rare form of cancer (Pseudomyxoma Peritonei) for three years and despite a variety of medical interventions during that time, it eventually became clear that he would soon require end of life care. We all wanted Dad to feel comfortable and peaceful, but were struggling to create an environment where this was possible.

From the moment Dad was admitted to St Wilfrid's, everything became easier. The hospice took care of everything. Dad was provided with the necessary medication and fluids to keep him comfortable and friends and family were given space to talk, remember and ultimately, to say goodbye. St Wilfrid’s provided us with a level of emotional support, wisdom and honesty that can only be offered by those who truly understand that last road we all end up travelling. They walked with him to end and allowed him to take the final steps when he was ready. Dad passed away peacefully on Sunday 11th December 2022.

It will be an honour to represent St Wilfrid’s Hospice in the 2025 London Marathon. We will all reach the end of our journey at some point, so ensuring the provision of excellent end of life care is hugely important. If you would like to contribute to the essential work carried out by this remarkable place, then feel free to donate here.

This one is ‘For the Chief’!