You don’t have to look far back at photos of me to know that fitness hasn’t always been high on my agenda! Yet here I am, preparing to run the Leeds 10K. I know my mum would be so proud of me if she were here, coupled with relief that I’m finally looking after my health.

My Mum is always in my thoughts and my heart, so it will mean the world to me to do this run in her honour, while raising money for the people that made such a difference to her end of life experience.

We were blessed in some ways that my mum had notice that her journey was coming to an end because it allowed her a degree of choice. Despite her complex needs over a long period of time, Hospiscare were there with us all to allow it to happen on her terms as far as possible. She was supported to die at home, with access to the care, medication and equipment to make her final months/weeks/days/minutes as comfortable and joyful as possible.

If you live in Exeter, Mid or East Devon, Hospiscare is your local adult hospice charity. Should you or a loved one need care for any type of terminal illness, their professional team of doctors and nurses are there to help. Their services are provided irrespective of race, religion, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, diagnosis or place of national origin.