On 12th September, The Sheppard Family (& others) will be taking part in the Ipswich Colour Run to raise money for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity's Time Garden Appeal. We will each be walking and/or running distances ranging from 1km-5km based on personal preference.

The Time Garden Appeal is raising money to create a peaceful outdoor space for end-of-life patients, their loved ones and the dedicated staff who support families through some of their most difficult moments of their lives. It will be a place to find a moment of calm, spend precious time together, and make those final moments as peaceful as possible.

On 25.11.25, we unexpectedly lost our loved one, Michael Sheppard, to a brain tumour. In his final days, he was cared for at Ipswich Hospital, where he spent his last moments surrounded by the love of his family and the compassion of the staff who looked after him. Although it was an incredibly painful time for us, we will always be grateful for the kindness, dignity and care that he received.

We will be taking part in memory of Michael Sheppard, who was a husband, a father, a grandad and a friend to many. He was such a character that brought stories, joy and laughter to every conversation and his presence was always known within a room. His laugh would echo around, which was often followed by a groan as he recalled yet another one of his awful dad jokes.

The Colour Run felt most fitting. A day of joy, fun and laughter. Just how he was.

Whilst nothing will take away the pain of losing him, we hope that by raising money for this appeal, other families facing the same heartbreak can have a place that brings them a little comfort, peace and privacy when they need it most.

If you are able to donate, no matter how big or small, we would be so grateful. Every contribution will help make this special space a reality for future patients, families and staff.

There is a link below outlining the details of the Colour Run, including what each contribution will bring to the garden:

https://www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/Event/colour-run-2026

Thank you for taking the time to read this, for your support, and helping us to honour our loved one's memory <3

-The Sheppard Family