In March this year my Dad was admitted to hospital after having a reaction to treatment he was having for skin cancer. Unfortunately while in hospital he contracted COVID 19. During his admission, neither my step mum or myself could visit. Dad was a technophobe and broke the very basic phone he had, this left us pestering the ever patient staff for regular updates on his progress.

His entire admission I pleaded with staff to let me come to the ward, see him and help care for him, they are under strict guidance that would not allow visitors, and they all managed my distress with care and compassion.

When dad was moved to the isolation unit, they informed me they had recently purchased an IPad and suggested that we Skype. To be able to see him, for him to see me and his grandchildren was something incredibly special. The technology also enabled me to be present for the last 6 hours of his life. Although I couldn't hold his hand, I could play him music and reassure him when he needed it. I will never know the impact or comfort this offered Dad, but I know it will offer me comfort in years to come.

Being a nurse I struggled with the distance and not being able to physically care for my Dad in his last weeks but could have been made so much worse if I couldn't have been there for the last hours.

Therefore I want to make sure all families have the opportunity I had, so am raising money to purchase an additional iPad or tablet for the unit.

Myself, Adam (My husband) and Paul (My Brother) are going to cycle from Bristol Suspension Bridge to Tywardreadth in Cornwall (Dads Cottage). We are aiming to complete this at the end of May, but if lockdown does not permit we will all cycle the 162 miles locally (this is small fry for Paul, but I am only used to a 9 mile commute to work!)

It may take us a few days but every mile we will be doing in honour of my Dad, the Cornish legend.