In January this year, a close friend of ours, Sam Heward’s, father Paul got the devastating news that he had a brain tumour. As is often the case with this terrible diagnosis, his condition deteriorated quickly leaving him bedridden and in need of daily care. Rather than having to go into hospital or a care home, doctors and nurses from the charity St Columba’s Hospice provided daily support during the final weeks of Paul’s life. Having access to care within the family home was hugely comforting to both him and his family, who could be around him at all times. Tragically Paul died in June this year. 

St Columba’s Hospice is an Edinburgh based charity that offers care to those who have a life limiting illness as well as giving support to the whole family. The best possible care is offered by highly trained doctors and nurses both within a hospice setting and also helping to care for patients in their own homes.

In order to raise money for this wonderful charity. Tom Greville Williams, Will Ayles and Hamish Van Gruisen are participating in the Jordan Ultra X which is a 220km 5 stage running event through the spectacular Wadi Rum desert. This is effectively a marathon a day for 5 days, not to the mention running on sand and in mid 30 degree temperatures. Whilst all of us enjoy playing sport and going for the odd 5km run, this is a serious step up in terms of any endurance or running event we have done before. It will be made all the more special by the fact, Sam set up the Ultra X running company so will be out there in Jordon to support/tell us to hurry up! 

Any donations will be hugely appreciated and make a massive difference in making sure that patients and their families get the same level of care and support that the Hewards had, which we know made a huge amount of difference in an extremely difficult time. It will also give us extra motivation and energy for what is likely to be one of the more tiring weeks of our lives! 

We start on the 2nd October and will provide a link for anyone who wants to stay updated with our progress. Thank you very much in advance for your support.

Tom, Will & Hamish