On Sunday 18th October 2009, my mum lost her fight to cancer. She spent her last few days at St Oswald’s Hospice. This Hospice will always hold such a special place in my heart.

From the day of diagnosis (May 2008) my mum never gave up. We never heard her complain, feel sorry for herself, or moan. Her strength, determination, and faith never wavered. Through it all she remained a strong, supportive and wonderful mummy to all us 5 lunatic children. Sarah, Emily, Edith, Me (Helena) and Quintus. Her journey bounced from the Wansbeck, Newcastle General, RVI and Freeman Hospital. She was discharged home to Alnwick with an incredible community support team (NHS, friends, church, family and us kiddies). It was once home, she decided to spend her remaining days in the care of the team at St Oswalds hospice.

I can’t fully explain the wonderful support they provided, from the incredible health care, endless cups of tea, cake, hugs, manicures, entertainers (Northumbrian pipers), an amazing chaplaincy team, and herding the endless visitors... my mum even got told off for singing too loud. For those who knew her... she had a good old set of singing lungs!!

I can’t put into words how much I miss her, nothing can fully explain the feeling I feel every day without her . I know she would be so bloody proud of me and all the siblings. University, graduations, pretty average careers 😉, falling in love, weddings, grandchildren, aches, breaks and scrapes. I have her to thank for who I am now.

So... what is this about? 

In October 2019 I decided to take on a challenged in memory of my wonderful mum. This was to run ten Northumberland peaks, for the ten years since she died. After months of training in the dark and battling hills the original date of April 2020 soon came around.....Then came COVID. It was decided to put the challenge and training on hold, all due to working at the Freeman Hospital, shifts, late nights and one very tired lady!!  I managed to keep the training going over the next 6 months, however due to COVID etc, a new date was never set. I was fully aware of the incredibly generous donations and felt that what ever the circumstances the run will be complete. 

So..... on a dark November 5th.... myself and Katherine  spontaneously decided to bash  on and set a new challenge day! The Weather was looking great for Saturday 7th November....With bags packed, head torches on we set out at 6am.....and here we now are..... 40 miles run, 83000 steps, 11 hours of continuous moving, over 4500ft ascended!! Such an incredible challenge for an amazing cause that will never be forgotten! Thankyou all for so much love and support!! 

All our love

XXX

Ps you can follow our Journey on Instagram hen_and_len_run_10