Firstly, I am not a runner! I am not built for running! I have never ever enjoyed running! To add to this, my fitness isn’t the best! So why am training to run a half marathon I hear you ask?

In February 2026, my loving Mum became very poorly and after being looked after at home by Sobell House nurses, she was admitted to the Churchill Hospital in Oxford following a rapid decline. It was clear that Mum wasn’t going to make a miraculous recovery and return home. There was so much anxiety as there wasn’t a plan in place until a lovely nurse in the Churchill Hospital who was helping to look after Mum came to her bedside, and told Mum that she had a bed with her name on it in Sobell House. Mum’s face lit up and big smile spread across her face and somehow she was extremely grateful. However, from the other side of the bed, I didn’t quite process what was going on and a world of apprehension was setting in.

Mum quickly moved to Sobell House Hospice which was not only a comfort to Mum, but a comfort to her family who were beside her all the way. I quickly realised that the setting was welcoming, relaxed and the people who work in Sobell House are truly remarkable. They gave Mum the most incredible care - if Mum needed something, Sobell had it. There was a dedicated room for family and friends to say their goodbyes, a comfortable kitchen and seating area to use day and night - which also served as meeting point. Not only was this helpful for family but it offered an opportunity to talk to other people going through a difficult time as well. A real sense of community during bleak times offers support and is very much needed. The kitchen has the essentials for people to use and provided food, drinks and even cooking facilities. I was a dab hand with the coffee machine, which led me to becoming a barista for a period of time for people who needed that luxury coffee. It dawned on me that all the volunteers, facilities and people who run Sobell House have worked tirelessly to get it to where it is today.

During a luxury coffee, I noticed an advert on the wall for the Oxford Half Marathon, and I thought that this is a way that I can try and give back and to also try and help raise awareness of this amazing charity. You really don’t know what help you need in times of crisis until it is upon you and this place helped us to get through a very difficult time.

Sobell House Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to adults living in Oxfordshire with a life-limiting illness, and support to their family and friends. I would be grateful if you could support me in raising money for Sobell House so that they can continue their quest in helping people in times of need.

My running journey has begun, and I’ve been running in 38 degree heat during my recent holiday in Spain. Believe me when I say; I have dug deep to get out running and get as fit as possible to cross that finish line on 11th October 2026. This one’s for you, Mum!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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