In 2011, my hero of a Nana lost her battle with Motor Neuron disease. At our side every step of the way during her illness were St Oswalds Hospice. They rely entirely on fundraising for the £7.5million per year they need to provide their invaluable services and I am hoping my running the GNR this year can help with this. 

Not only were St Oswald dedicated to the care and support of my Nana when she was unwell as an inpatient. From early on in her diagnosis they provided community care, including communication aids when she became more unwell. They supported all of our family through her deterioration and helped her and us navigate her cruel illness. 

To highlight the level of personal care they do provide, let's fast forward to 2020. I am working in the RVI's A&E department and go to see a patient who was brought in unwell. The patient was accompanied by a woman who at the end of the consultation asked me to repeat my whole name. She then introduced herself as a staff member from St Oswalds Hospice. She remembered my Nana and my 17 year old self, telling the staff there that I was hoping to be a doctor one day. Her face was entirely filled with joy as I explained that I had indeed gone off to study medicine after Nana had passed away, and that I had just moved back to Newcastle to continue to work as a doctor. 

This is one small example of the love, care and passion that drive St Oswalds Hospice to help patients and families through horrible experiences. 

Please, any small donation will mean another family have the support that our family will never forget, and never be able to put into words our gratitude for. 

xxxxx