Over the weekend of 25th-27th July, I will be taking part in the Montane Lakeland 100 event……yes, that is a 105miles circular route / continuous event with 40hrs allowed to completed the course.

More details here: > https://lakeland100.com

The reason why I am supporting Overgate Hospice in July .

--------

Grief is like an earthquake. The first shock hits you and the world falls apart. Even after you put the world together again, there are aftershocks, and you never really know when those will come.

--------

Brenda Ingram (mum)

On New Years Eve 2024, mum wasn't feeling too well and decided to have an early night. The following morning her condition had worsened, her heart rate was quite weak and she seemed agitated. Believing she may have had a mild heart attack and mini-stroke, James, my brother, called for medical assistance. She was taken by ambulance to A&E for further assessment.

By mid-afternoon, mum's breathing was laboured and she had a worrying low heart rate. Doctors administered medication but the drugs had little impact.

By early evening, Mum was admitted and moved to a Ward where she was made comfortable with end-of-life support and care and DNACPR.

Clare stayed by her bedside all night, keeping her company and safe. She was 'fading in and out' of consciousness but Clare managed to get a smile and some cheeky mutterings from mum during the night.

At 8am, I arrived to take over the vigil so Clare could go home and get some rest.

Mum knew that we were all with her and that she wasn't alone - she had never been alone - even since losing dad in 201, James made sure of this by caring for her, day and night, for 6-years. He never left her side.

When I arrived at her bedside, mum opened her eyes and smiled, and I held her hand and whispered to her, "You're not alone, we are here with you, rest now and sleep".

At 10.30am, mum fell asleep in my arms and passed away peacefully. She was 86yr.

--------

As you would imagine, January, February and March were very difficult months with organising the funeral and one thing or another and then…….

Clare Greaves (sister)

On 14th March 2025, Clare was admitted to hospital feeling very unwell and in considerable pain with serious concerns for her pre-existing medical conditions.

Over the next 21 days, the NHS staff worked to treat her condition. As a family, we made plans to do things and try mend her.

On Friday 4th April, Clare's health deteriorated rapidly and James and I went to be with her at her bedside.

At 3am she said, "Go home and get some rest, I need to sleep".

At 1pm the following day, Clare phoned James to say "Have a day off, don't visit today, I need to sleep now"

Clare passed away an hour or so later. She was 60yr.

To the very end, Clare was more concerned about others rather than herself. Deep down we feel she knew the end was close and didn't want us to witness her passing.

Her final words to me were, "This is all too soon, I have so much more life to live and love to give - hug me!!"

I held her so tight and didn't want to let go. xxxx

-----------

Testimonial from Overgate Hospice

"For over 10 years Clare devoted her time to volunteering at Overgate Hospice, where she became a well-known face and friend to staff, volunteers, patients and carers. Clare worked with the Day Hospice team in supporting groups in the Hospice and also out in our Community HUBs, not only providing endless teas and coffees, but also a listening ear and time for patients and carers to talk.

Clare was always willing to fill in to cover group sessions if needed, although we had to make sure these were the afternoon sessions as, I’m sure you all know, Clare enjoyed her sleep and despite several alarm clocks being set to get up in the morning we were often giving her a ‘courtesy reminder call’ when she had slept in!

Clare was always there to help with anything that needed doing in Day Hospice, although always preferred to stay in the background not wanting to take the focus off our patients and carers. Clare could always turn her hand to anything, helping with crafts, sewing and activities and often brought in her homemade cakes for us all to enjoy!

Clare will always be remembered for her gentle, caring personality and her happy, easy-going attitude to life. Her dry sense of humour brought a much-needed smile to many of our patients and carers when they most needed that lift and she will be greatly missed by us all.

R.I.P Clare

Angela Gill

Day Hospice Manager

_____

Angela also recalls dad being cared for by Overgate Hospice team.

In March 2019, Dad (Ron Ingram), spent his final hours at the Hospice before passing away on March 2nd. He was 80yr.

For as long as I can remember, our family has had strong ties with Overgate Hospice and the incredible care they provide to the community.

It is my wish to continue this support for Overgate Hospice in memory of Brenda Ingram (Mum), and Clare Greaves (Sister)…and also not forgetting Ron Ingram (Dad).

With tears in my eyes, please support if you can. Every penny makes a difference to the wonderful staff, volunteers and patients at Overgate Hospice.

Thank you xx

Tim Ingram

_____

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.