This year's fund has passed the £1500 mark, all thanks to a few new sponsors. There is still a lot of pestering, canvassing, begging and pleading to do before I reach the magic total of £5000. I'm quietly confident of reaching that total with 4 and a half months left before the big run. The aim now is £2000 before the end of February.It is not until you remind yourself about the services that Hospices like St Benedict's provides, that you realise how important these types of establishments are and how important the funds raised are that go to support them. They have a very informative website (http://www.hospice.co.uk/) that gives an overview of the many services offered. The following is an extract from my old website. I wrote this a few years ago but it still holds true.
The staff and services provided by St Benedict's Hospice made my Mam's final days battling cancer more dignified and taught us both how to, what she and I called, "live with cancer".
My Mam attended the day care unit at the Hospice on a weekly basis for many months. It was during this time that the assessment and management of her treatment was undertaken by the specialist Hospice staff. It was certainly a bit of respite and relief for me, knowing my Mam was in good hands for a day receiving the kind of care and attention that I know she really appreciated. She often talked about the staff as if they were a bunch of her good friends. And it was through my Mam that I got to know Anne Oliver, the fund raising co-ordinator.
My Mam was admitted to the Hospice on the 27th December 1994. She spent a week there having her medication regulated and trying to get better and returned home with a renewed confidence to battle the cancer that she had and also support me while I did my 3rd year University exams. I passed with flying colours thanks to her support.
The 20th February 1995 saw her return to the Hospice. Her condition had worsened and there she stayed until her passing away on the 9th March 1995.
I feel I owe St Benedict's Hospice a huge debt of gratitude. If I can help them, in any small way, to continue to provide the kind of services to other terminally ill people in the region, then I will. This isn't just something I intend to do for a short time. I'd like to think I'll always try and raise funds for St Benedict's Hospice. Indeed, 2004 will be the 10th year of fundraising activities. I hope, in years to come, my son Jack will also have a part to play in this. And hopefully the support of my family and friends will continue. It's their money that is going to the Hospice after all.
