We are a team of six novice runners who are training to run the Bristol 10K in an effort to raise money for the brilliant St. Peter's Hospice, on behalf of the much loved John Hewitt - husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend - who died on New Year’s Eve 2016, aged just 34.
John’s story:
Although the last two years has undoubtedly been the most difficult time of our lives, and something I wouldn't wish on anyone, there have been some shining lights (or silver linings as our John would call them). St. Peter's Hospice is certainly one of those.
John was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer aged 32 and his prognosis turned terminal in December 2015. 'Devastating' doesn't even come close in describing the way we both felt. It was the most unimaginable news and something we of course weren't prepared for. Unfortunately, the journey we were facing was tough and bumpy with many twists and turns...a lot of uphill struggles lay ahead and we felt completely unequipped to deal with them. Not least was the daunting prospect of deciding where John would spend his last days. This was one of the most heart wrenching conversations and one no couple should have to have. Not least a couple of our age, so very much in love, with two young boys and such a bright future ahead.
In this impossible time, along with our wonderful family and friends, St. Peter's became an invaluable resource. They supported us in so many ways: preparing us for what lay ahead, providing information, helping John manage his pain and symptoms and helping us to make the decision to be in the hospice for end of life care. Ultimately, and most importantly, the care they gave to John when he was so poorly, so vulnerable, in the worst situation of his life, was second to none. They respected all of John's wishes and intuitively supported him in maintaining his independence and dignity right to the very end. Their expertise meant that John's death was as peaceful and pain free as it possibly could have been. And everyone close to John felt supported and cared for as well.
Although nobody would choose to be in a hospice, it is actually a comforting place to be, given the circumstances. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, and they have created a calm environment with beautiful gardens and facilities like a cafe and a sanctuary. They know what they are doing. I can confidently say that John's life would have ended in a far more traumatic and painful way had it not been for the hospice. In particular the advice we received to go into the hospice when we did was key - it was an impossible decision and one we would never have felt ready to make. Thank goodness for our hospice nurse whose intuition guided us.
And the support continues for the whole family even after John's death.
It is a service we would have been lost without. St. Peter's relies on charity to keep it going - in fact it relies on £14,000 a day from fundraising alone to keep supporting families like ours. Every penny counts so please, if you can afford it, any donations would be so gratefully received.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.