Early in 2024 me and my family received the news that you never want to receive about a loved one; that my mum was diagnosed with cancer after a routine check.

Although devastated we initially all hoped this was something that could be cured with treatment and over time mum would return to normal health. The fact she was only 64, generally healthy and suffering no symptoms reaffirmed that hope that she could recover.

After several tests to determine the nature and location of the cancer and a few months on from initial diagnosis we were shattered to learn that the cancer had spread to her liver from her bile duct. The cancer was already at stage 4 and a terminal diagnosis was given as it was irreversible.

We were given some hope that chemotherapy could give my mum more time with positive treatment possibly giving her an extra few months to a year.

But in another cruel twist of luck my mum suffered a severe stroke the week before she was due to start treatment which left her unable to move, talk and eat meaning chemotherapy was now off the table.

After a couple of weeks in a stroke unit mum was moved to Bassetlaw Hospice where she would receive palliative care.

The staff at Bassetlaw Hospice were incredible giving my mum the care she needed medically but also making her last days as enjoyable and dignified as possible. This at least gave me and my family some comfort to see her peaceful and in a nice environment something we were all extremely grateful at the hardest time.

My mum passed away peacefully at Bassetlaw Hospice on Monday 30th September 2024 leaving behind a loving husband and 2 sons, 4 amazing grandchildren and 2 loved daughter in laws.

Nearly a year on from losing the best mum far to early in life; I am honoured to be running the London Marathon on 26 April 2026 in memory of her and to also raise vital funds for Hospice UK.

Training for a marathon isn't easy! I'm doing it because I want to fight for hospice care for all who need it as I have witnessed first hand how important these places are to patients and their loved ones.

Hospice care eases the pain of death and dying, letting people focus on living, right until the end. Too many miss out on this essential care. Hospice UK fights for hospice care for all who need it, now and forever.

As the national champion for hospices, Hospice UK supports over 200 hospices across the UK, helping them deliver the best, most personalised care to 310,000 people each year. But hospices are underfunded and under immense pressure.

Your support can make a difference. Please donate to my page and join me in promoting and protecting hospice care for all.