Some of you may know my Dad, some might not. But myself and an inspirational team of friends are running the Newport Half Marathon to raise money for St David's Hospice in his memory. Here's why.......

My Dad had terminal cancer and we found out a week before he died in late October. When Dad left the hospital for what would be his final week at home, as a family we were faced with caring for someone who was getting increasingly weak and a general sense of not knowing what to do. Aside from the emotional pain, the simple practicalities were daunting....."what medicine do we give him, what should we be doing, what can we expect to happen, what do we do once he's died?" All of this to think of when all we wanted to do was comfort Dad in any way we could. We felt really helpless.

Until St David's Hospice arrived.....

They were able to provide Dad with a support that we couldn't. They could answer questions for him, ask the right questions to him and make sure he was cared for in a compassionate and dignified manner. That was of great comfort to him in his final days. 

But they were also of great comfort to us as a family. I was able to ask questions about how it would all happen. I'd never seen someone die before and I didn't know what to expect. Having someone there to answer that question gave me the strength to be able to be there with Dad as he passed away and be strong for him. To tell him Thank You and that I loved him. Rather than be scared at what was taking place, I was able to hold Dad and provide him with what he needed most at that moment, which was love and comfort.

The people of St David's provided us the opportunity to be together as a family without fear as we said our goodbyes. When faced with cancer, no-one should ever have to do it any other way.  

That's why we are running on March 6th.

A Half Marathon is not a new thing for me and some of the others that are running, but it is for a fair few members of our team. And it's not easy. Don't underestimate the hours of commitment it requires. 

So please, for the runners who will be training through the winter months, for my Dad who we are honoured to wear the STAGS (his golf team) name around 13.1 miles and for you, or me, or someone you know that might be affected by cancer in the future.....please dig deep and donate.

You'll never know how priceless St David's care was until you might need it.

Thanks for reading.

Best wishes - Team STAGS

Dave Churchill, Clare Churchill, Nathan Jenkins, Emma Jenkins, Kath O'Sullivan, Angie Sykes, Adam Sadler, Keith James, Stuart Truckel, Dave Constant, Dasche Hinton, Sophie Grinter, Gareth Thomas, Natasha Sullivan-Dungey, Rob Davidson, Christian Rose, Rachel Walpole, Ian Reynolds, Sophie Walpole, Josie Hoare, Helen Payne and Jeni Evans.

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