Sue Ryder supports people through the most difficult times of their lives. Whether that’s a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one or a neurological condition – they’re there when it matters. Their doctors, nurses and carers give people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can.

I am a Palliative Care Nurse and will be making a splash for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice by swimming 600 lengths to raise at least £600, which could pay for up to 24 hours of expert and compassionate palliative care. I have always wanted to work in palliative care and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. To be part of the Sue Ryder team and be there for people at the end of their life is an absolute honour. I know that the cost of our care is rising, and I wanted to do something to help the hospice so that we can continue to be there when it matters for families going through the most difficult times of their lives. Several years ago, I experienced the expert end-of-life care the team provides first-hand after her husband was cared for briefly at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice before he died. My husband only spent one day at the hospice, but in that short time everyone was incredible, they really couldn’t do enough for us. I just want to say thank you and give something back.  

My sponsored swim will take place at Castle Sports Centre and Swimming Pool in Spalding and kickstart during my annual leave beginning 17th July. I really enjoy swimming. It’s the one sport I have always done so I thought why not something do I love while raising vital funds for families needing our care. I’m hoping the challenge will also help me to get fit . My fundraiser comes as Sue Ryder launches a new campaign to highlight the harsh reality of the Cost of Dying crisis.

To find out more about the Cost of Dying crisis, visit: sueryder.org/CostofDying