A Visit to Zoe's Place - my Marathon charity

Well where on earth do I start!

It was an absolute privilege to be invited to see for ourselves the wonderful work that goes on in Zoe’s Place.

The commitment, dedication and enthusiasm that goes into creating such a wonderful environment and atmosphere is really hard to describe, but a good example of this is Sue and Derrick’s kindness in giving up their Saturday afternoon to make us so welcome, show us round and explain more about the work of the Hospice.

Thank you both so much. Our visit has left such a deep impression on me.

Derrick explained that a hospice is not a place of misery but a joyful happy place dedicated to improving the lives of children with life limiting conditions and that 98% of the work is providing much needed respite care for the families whose lives are devoted to caring for a sick child.  This can provide some breathing space for parents and siblings, maybe allowing them to take a rare break and do something that most of us would take for granted such as visit a cinema or go out for a meal. Alternatively the families can stay on site in the lovely quarters provided and relax knowing that the staff are taking good care of their little one.

Derrick is a laugh a minute cracking corny jokes and endlessly cheerful. He is a volunteer and only works a minimal 9 day week! Sue confirmed that he can’t keep away from the place.

He warned us that there was usually someone peeling onions in the building: they had never been seen but there had to be some cause for the watery eyes occasionally experienced by staff and visitors! I was to find out what he meant during our tour.

The entrance hall boasts a framed patchwork with Zoe’s bear as its centre piece.

The chapel was beautiful calm and peaceful with a few teddy bears around and a beautifully embroidered altar cloth with Peter Rabbit giving it a child friendly, less austere feel. A book of remembrance was in the corner, a chronicle of the short lives that had been helped at Zoe’s Place. It was impossible not to be moved by the photos of all the lovely children in this book.

We were shown around the rooms for family and siblings which provided a mini flat so that families could be independent but close by if needed.

We also saw the bereavement suite (cue the invisible onions)  A lovely peaceful environment which would allow parents to spend as much time as they needed with their child.  I can’t even begin to imagine what a family must go through on the loss of a child, and I am thankful for my own healthy daughter which is what drives my support for children’s hospices. 

Once I had regained my composure we continued on to be allowed to visit the nursery and see first-hand what a great time the children were having as they put on aprons to begin painting. We also saw the sensory room used to stimulate children with disabilities through, light, music and sound. The ball pool that you can see in the pictures is linked to a sound system so that profoundly disabled children can enjoy the vibration of music through lying amongst the balls.

We were shown the bedrooms with the monumentally expensive cots  (£5000 apiece) bright cheery rooms with some wonderful work by a local artist on each wall. Okay so how did I miss the Zoe’s bear flying with Tinkerbell ! Maybe there was still something in my eye!

The weather chose its moment as we stepped outside to take a look at the gardens and play area. Apparently the weather has been just as kind each year for a planned garden party, which is a real shame as the grounds are beautiful, a huge lawn, a colourful play area and a quiet garden as an area of contemplation.

These are just a few of my impressions of yesterdays visit as it was an emotional experience which is really hard to put into words. I am really proud to have been able to make a small contribution to the amazing work that goes on to ensure that families can continue to gain support from Zoe’s Place.

A Memorable Marathon Day.

My just giving page is still open so please feel free to support Zoe's Place - further information and a video of their marvellous work is at the end of this report.

Thank you to all my lovely family and friends who have supported my London Marathon run. It is difficult to describe how much all of the support has meant to me and kept me going through the tough times last Sunday.

I headed off early to catch the 7.14 train and just can't believe where the time vanished to leading up to the start at 9.45am. Thousands of runners all converging on Blackheath, the atmosphere was buzzing and the air thick with the smell of deep heat! Strangely in amongst all the thousands of people I spotted a former work colleague and headed off to wish him luck. By the time I peeled off outer layers, attached my timing chip to my shoe, pinned on my number, applied suncream and queued for the loo, then it was time to join the throngs waiting to start.

Its hard to describe the emotions as you set off on a journey that you have prepared and trained for for months, a combination of excitement, nerves and disbelief that the day you have trained so hard towards is here at last.

I got off to a good start and kept to a steady pace running along for most of the 1st half with Jenny, a lovely lady running her first Marathon in memory of her mother in law. We ran and chatted our way round and it was really nice to have her company. Jenny was a stronger runner than me and I began to struggle in the heat a bit between miles 10-12, this was a bit unexpected as I have been running 10+ miles quite comfortably in training so knocked my confidence just a bit. A welcome break from the heat, were the firemen hosing us down! The crowd support was fantastic and lifted me several times when the going got tough. I really wonder if everyone realises how much it means to hear our name called out and shouts of encouragement along the way. Kids waiting arms outstretched for high fives - lighting up with pleasure as you tag them when you run past.

Two kids I vividly remember didn't have their arms out as they were busy with some delicious looking ice cream, they probably don't know how close they came to being mugged for them as we ran by in the heat.

We continued to Tower Bridge together, where I was overcome with emotion to see my family and friends waiting to cheer me on, at this point Jenny ran on ahead and I really hope she finished and lived her dream and that I can get in touch somehow as we took some pics of each other along the way. There were some unbelievable costumes en route, rhinos, bears, a giraffe, ghostbusters, a guy in a canoe and a womble who not only completed the course but stopped every time there was some music to dance and entertain the onlookers!

I had a foot problem that I had to stop and get minor medical attention and it seemed from then that a brisk walking pace was going to be the best way to ensure I got across that finish line, as no way was I going to let myself or my charity down! So now I was sorted and on my way I met up with another couple of walkers Joss and Phil, after tagging along with them we all decided to complete the course together, spurring each other on to keep up the pace as our legs turned to jelly or tried to ignore the message from our brain to keep going! I soon discovered that as well as a very fast walking pace Joss has an amazing talent for motivating others and I really appreciated her persistance in ensuring that I did not lag behind.

The crowd were still out in force and their support became ever more important as the miles went by. Runners World supporters were out at mile 17 and gave us a huge cheer. Supporters were still out cheering us on all the way, alot of them holed up at one of the 82 pubs en route, making merry as they called out encouragement. Alot of parties too with people out on balconies or observing from the top of buildings.

At mile 22 friends and family were waiting and those that could keep pace joined us as a support team, with water, jelly babies and tons of encouragement. The roads were just re-opening so it was onto the paths and work our way through the pedestrians but we kept apace and were pretty soon on Embankment. With renewed energy, knowing we were on the home strait we gained more support as we strode determindly to the finish to claim our medals. The signs counting down in yards came in to view what a lovely sight. Of course you have to run through the finish so we joined arms and finished together, collecting our medals, having our timing chip removed and posing for photos before we rejoined our families.

A final word for the people behind the scenes making the whole thing possible. The organisation is incredible, with small armies of volunteers catering for our every need. St John's Ambulance with their roving support teams on bikes as well as many first aid stations. All the volunteers handing out water and clearing up the massive mess afterwards.The baggage handling operation moving all of the thousands of kit bags from start to finish. The organisation of the whole event has to be seen to be believed.

http://www.zoes-place.org.uk/

See Emily's story below how Zoe's place is helping her family

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/aboutus/whoyouvehelped.shtml#appeal_video_14

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Zoe's Place Trust - Middlesbrough gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!