Hello, I hope that you are all well and keeping safe. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for taking the time to read my story.

My name is Steve and I am 70 years old and an Army Veteran and since 2007 I have suffered with some loss in my life.

Firstly I would like to tell you about my 2nd wife Zoe Sylvia Pike. We was married for 11 years and during that time Zoe was diagnosed with S.L.E. (Lupus). I became her full time carer whilst looking after our 3 young children. In 2000 we got divorced but still remaining good friends and I was still caring for her the best I could. In 2003 it became the time for me to move on and I decided to move back to my home town of Rugby with my son to be near my brother and his family. On the 22nd of February 2007 Zoe suddenly passed away with Cancer. The staff at the Ipswich Hospital did a fantastic job making her as comfortable as possible and supporting her children as much as possible and for this I would like to raise money for the Palliative Care Ward to help them support other families in the same position as we were.

Secondly whilst I was settling back into my home town of Rugby I met my 3rd wife Angela Gwen Smith in 2015 who we just clicked and we started dating. Our relationship became serious very quickly and not before long we were happily married in 2017. We enjoyed our short life together and travelled to a few European countries which has left a lot of happy memories. In 2018 we moved near to Edinburgh in Scotland. In April 2019 Angela heard that her mother had passed away in North Wales. Before we left for her mums funeral on the 3rd May Angie suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the Royal Infirmary Hospital in Edinburgh when she was diagnosed with a burst Aneurysm on her brain and she died on the 6th May 2019. The staff there treated Angela and family with the utmost respect and dignity.

These are my 2 reasons why I would like to raise money for the Palliative Care Wards of these 2 amazing hospitals and all the money raised will be equally split to help with more upto date equipment.

For my fundraising I have decided to grow a beard until my 70th birthday on the 22/12/2021. I have not shaved since the end of April 2020 and it's already growing thick and fast so let's see how long I can get it in that time.

I would like to ask everyone to donate as little or as much as possible. I know during these unprecedented times money is tight but would be greatful on all donations to help me to achieve my goal.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and all donations are gratefully received.

Due to covid i have extended the period, now to the end of December 2022.

Thank you all very much. Steve Pike

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfundin/stephen-pike-1