20th April 2018 - I lost my best friend Marie to cancer. 12 years, 4 diagnoses and the cruel 'C' took her. Aged 27.
Marie had spent the last few weeks of her life being taken care of at The John Eastwood Hospice. They did so much more than just provide her with the medical support she needed at the time. They enabled her to get married (after a last minute hen party!) ; they made sure she was as comfy as possible at all times; provided her with the emotional warmth that she needed and ensured that nothing was too much trouble for either Marie or any of her family and friends who visited her. For this reason they deserve the recognition, ongoing support and praise for all of the hard work that all of their staff and volunteers carried out at a time that was so tough for all of those close to Marie. For the support they gave Marie; I will be forever grateful.
For this reason, my Dad, my brother Lee and myself have decided to challenge ourselves. If Marie could wake up day after day in the hospice pushing through the different battles she was faced with then we can get on a bike and cycle 146 miles in two days right?! No it won't be easy and yes it will be a huge challenge but nothing can be as tough as what Marie had to suffer.We want to do our best and give it a good go - giving something back to a charity that selflessly gave so much! Please if you could help us fulfil this challenge by sponsoring us on this cycle ride; it would be very much appreciated. On a personal level; to be able to give back to a charity that supported someone so close to my heart is a high priority of mine. The work of the staff in the hospice is significantly under-rated and it wasn't until I had such a close dealing with the hospice that I truly realised what an immense support they truly are.
We never know when it is our turn to need to the support of the hospice. For now we better get pedalling...