On Sunday 28 April 2019, I will be running the Virgin London Marathon to raise as much money as possible for the wonderful St Luke’s
Hospice, Harrow & Brent.

My family and I have seen first-hand the fantastic care and comfort that hospice services give patients and their families at what is one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. 

My St Luke’s journey started six years ago when my dear nan (Sonaben Khetsi Ghela Manek) passed away at the hospice after a short illness. Sadly, we found ourselves there again in May 2018 for the final days of my auntie’s life (Pushpa Zaverchand Shah).

The services and care the hospice offers are remarkable and give those at the end of their lives the dignity and support they need to die in a place of their choice.

St Luke’s is proud to offer all its services free of charge. The hospice therefore relies on the generosity of the community for over 75% of its funding. Each year, it needs to raise at least £3.5 million, so every contribution count.

St Luke’s is looking to raise £80,000 to enable the team to care for more people in their own homes at the end of their lives, the place where they feel happiest. And, I want to help.

• Just £75 could fund a session with a physiotherapist to help manage pain
• Just £40 could fund a complementary therapy session for a patient to improve wellbeing and ease pain
• Just £22 could fund the cost of running the 24/7 helpline for an hour

This is a huge challenge for me. I’m certainly not a runner and I’m also asthmatic! But, I believe passionately that hospice care is what a compassionate society should provide, and I’m determined to help this fantastic hospice, so it’s a challenge I’m ready to take on. 

St Luke’s Hospice and this challenge mean so much to me and I’d be very grateful for any support you can give me to help raise as much money as possible. And, any motivation you can provide to help me conquer the 26.3 miles would be wonderful too!

Thank you.

Neel Radia