Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In May 2010 Tom Hodgson, my Dad, died at the Lambert Memorial Hospital. It seemed so fitting that a Thirsk man born and bred could end his last weeks in a place where he'd spent over 20 years of his life visiting patients and staff every Sunday whilst delivering newspapers. 

The staff were so understanding of his circumstances and so accommodating of both the number of visitors and the sometimes inconvenient times they wished to visit. In fact, many of Dad's friends visited him at the Lambert to bid him their final farewell.

I will never forget the meaningful conversations I had with Dad about his life, made all the more poignant because we both knew that his life was coming to its natural end. The most powerful of all these conversations were whilst I sat alone with him, late in the evening at the Lambert Hospital.  All of which felt so natural due to the welcoming, supportive and caring staff. I find it quite exceptional that my small home town of Thirsk has such a valuable facility.

For these reasons I have decided to dedicate my first (and probably last) marathon to raise funds for the Lambert Memorial Hospital in order to help them give other people like my Dad the very best of care and comfort, possibly when they need it the most.  I'm hoping to raise a rather optimistic £2,620, the equivalent of £100 per gruelling mile. 

If you're a Thirsk person, you quite possibly knew my Dad. You probably also know someone who has received great care at the Lambert. So please give generously. If neither of these apply, then you probably know me - so why not do a friend a favour and make a donation. 

Thank you for taking time to visit this page and thank you for your donations. 

Darren