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On September 11th 2016 I am running my 3rd Great North Run to raise money for Sue Ryder Care in memory of my Mum, who passed away in 2012.

*** MAMA HICCUP’S STORY ***

Mum was diagnosed with stomach cancer a few years ago. She got through her first round of chemo, and things were going great. Her and Dad moved away from the North East, first to Cardiff, and then to their Dutch barge, Sara, down in Slimbridge near Cheltenham.

Very soon after they moved there, Mum started going down hill again. She came up to visit my brother and I in March 2012, and we had a great week with her shopping, crocheting, walking and just enjoying each other’s company. She got very ill very quickly after that, and started having to spend more and more time in hospital, and then the hospice.

I don’t really want to talk about the ins and outs of it. Most of you know how horrifying cancer is.

My brother, Rob, and I, went down to Cheltenham to see Mum at the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice the second week of July. We said our goodbyes on Saturday 14th July 2012. The Hiccups (my band) and I supported Scouting for Girls on 15th July, and I had the support of all my dearest friends, all willing me on. The only people missing from that crowd were my family. My mum had always been my biggest supporter, so she was a sore miss that day.

On Sunday 22nd July, at 3pm, whilst Aaron (my guitarist) and I were setting up for our regular Sunday gig, Aaron’s phone rang. It was my Dad. Mum was gone.

My wonderful friends got there as soon as possible, and Aaron and I played the gig. Let’s face it – Mama Hiccup would have kicked my **** if I had cancelled! 

Her funeral was on Friday 3rd August. She had a natural burial, it was a beautiful day. Rob and I composed the service, which was mainly made up of songs and poems, but we kept things fairly short, then went and got on with the bit Mum would have approved of in the pub. One of the songs, which Aaron and I performed, was ‘Annie’s Song,’ by John Denver, one of her favourites, and Annie being a childhood nickname. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to sing it again…. Not that I did a particularly good job on the day!

I can’t describe how much I miss her. However, since she left us, I’ve felt stronger some how. I don’t suffer fools anymore, and I feel like she’s right beside me at every single gig. Egging me on, telling me off, shouting for more, and instilling the courage and determination in me to keep going.

My Mum was one of the most vibrant, caring, interesting people you could have known. If you were lucky enough to meet her, you’ll know what I mean. The staff at the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice seemed to understand that, and were so good to us all in Mum’s last weeks, and we want to them something back.

In March 2013 I organised the first Mama Hiccup Music Festival, an all day music event in her memory held in South Shields, where we raised over £3000. My friends and I have gone on to raise an additional £1800 since. Please sponsor me for the Great North Run 2016 - anything at all would help!

Thank you, love and hugs,

Jenfa xxxxxx

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