If you're reading this, you most likely know that in February 2024 my dad, Damien Shepherd passed away aged 49. Dad had a history of cancer, being diagnosed at the age of 21, since beating this we all thought he had won his fight with this disease but on February, 16th 2024 he was told he had cancer once again. This time around, it was too far gone and a short 11 days later, Tuesday, 27th February 2024 at 4:15pm, he took his last breath.

In such a devasting, short time, Sue Ryder stepped in when dad and the family, needed them the most. In dads last 24 hours, we were blessed with a room for him in the hospice in Moggerhanger, the time here was short, but they managed to get him out of pain, comfortable and finally at peace - all anyone deserves at this time. As a family, we were allowed to be with him anytime of the day, any numbers and could finally be by his side as his family, rather than trying to act as his doctor. This let my dad die with love, dignity and peace - something we thought was impossible given the circumstances we had found ourselves in.

Sue Ryder welcomed us all with care, supported us through what felt like the impossible and helped me, as a 21 year old, understand my responsibilities as next of kin, guiding me through expected fees to come with death certificates, funerals and supported me raising money for this.

They waived fees, gave us priceless keepsakes from our short visit in the form of dad's fingerprints (which his big sister now has forever tattooed on her) and knitted hearts for all his great nieces and nephews.

Despite knowing what was coming and we were loosing dad, having the space and room with the family gave us some last laughs with dad and most importantly time for last 'I love you's' - I was lucky enough to be by his side as he took his last breath, caring for him how he once did me and say a proper goodbye. It only felt right being there - he witnessed my first and held me so I wanted to be there for his last and comfort in anyway possible.

I cannot even begin to explain just how much Sue Ryder have done for my dad, and myself for the past 18 months - the care did not stop when we lost dad, I am not shy to say, I needed support last year navigating grief, and that's what i got through their grief coach messages - one recommended going for a run and well, here we are. Running has truly been a game changer in this journey.

This is exactly why I am running the London 2026 Marathon in his memory, to raise money for Sue Ryder so they can continue to provide this level of care to other families facing the unimaginable. Every share or donation helps give someone else comfort and dignity when needed the most.

He was the light of so many of our lives, funny and a genuinely nice man, I will always be proud to be his daughter and hope he is proud of me! Even still, talking about him in the past tense feels so wrong, it's been many months now and not a single day goes by where he isn't spoken about, I once heard you die twice, once when you are buried and the second time when your name is mentioned for the last time - I will never let his name or story die. If you read this far - I LOVE YOU.

I miss and love you every single day and hope to do you proud.

Let’s do this. 💙