On the 23^rd April I will be taking part in the London marathon, to help raise much needed funds for ‘The Hopsice of the Good Shepherd’, supporting families from West Cheshire and Deeside . Most people will know how much I love running, maybe love is the wrong word, I do it to keep me sane and also it’s easier than other exercises to fit around work, volunteering & 3 very active children.

I’d ticked the London Marathon off my list many years ago back in 2004 when I was much younger and less prone to injuries and I vividly remember saying I would ever do it again, half marathons yes but full marathons no!!! 

Why did I change my mind I hear you ask? Well that’s pretty simple….since my friend Nicky (Volunteer Manager at the Hospice) spoke to me about perhaps becoming a volunteer, I haven’t looked back.  Over the past 9 months I have been a ‘Patient Support Volunteer’ on the Inpatient Ward, something I never in a million years thought I could do but looking back now I’m so glad a did do it and there’s many reasons for this….meeting and supporting the most beautiful, thankful and brave patients & families to working with the most incredible, inspirational people I’ve ever met. I cannot begin to tell you about how the hospice  team help, support and care for people and families who are living with life limiting illnesses and who require palliative and end of life care. They truly are inspirational and every person goes above and beyond to make sure loved ones & their families are cared for and looked after the way they deserve to be. 

Before volunteering at the hospice I knew the basics and didn’t really want to think too much about it, I suppose in a way i was a bit fearful but now I wish I had started volunteering here sooner. One big thing its taught me is to make the most of my life as we only get one chance. So whilst I can, I will do as much as possible to help fund such a worthy cause starting with the London marathon. My target is £2,500 so if you can spare any pennies each and every one of them will be very much appreciated and I know it will drive me across that finish line whether I’m running, walking or crawling I will get there.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amanda-mcphee2

Amanda xxxx