My story:

This is our year 11 Business project, my group consists of David Jones,  Nathan Evans, Joe Parry and myself. Our group is Called Nige's Trust. 

Our challenge will begin on November 24th 2018

My story starts in 2016, when my Dad, Nigel Goldsmith, had two seizures within the space of a fortnight. Dad went to hospital and it was discovered that he had a Grade four brain tumour (Anaplastic Astrocytoma) Dad was given just two and a half years left to live, aged just 39. If you knew Dad, you knew he was an amazing individual, an amazing Dad and wonderful husband, it seemed that whoever knew him only adored him. So when we discovered he had cancer, it was a tremendous blow.

Whilst dad was receiving treatment, we, as a family were introduced to Nightingale House Hospice, a warm and understanding organisation, to help terminally ill individuals and their families. 

Dad received Day Care and had weekly appointments with the physiotherapy team, Dad was offered the use of the hydro pool and he and his new found team worked hard towards improving his fitness and wellbeing, this was crucial to Dad as he was such an active individual before his illness. The team also helped Dad with fatigue, which he struggled with due to his treatment. I and my family, and most importantly Dad, felt the staff at Nightingale treated Dad with the upmost dignity and respect, this was a comforting thought as Dad was placed into the hospice for the remaining time of his life. The staff were very understanding when my mum approached them and asked if she could stay with Dad, the nurses moved them both into a larger room with a wonderful view of the gardens, Dad, despite his condition, seemed rested and comfortable which me and the family were so delighted with.

Dad always said how happy he was with his room, the nurses created a close bond to my Dad, they all seemed to have so much time for him, as I'm positive they do for every patient there. The staff were wonderful and very open to giving Dad his time to leave the hospice with his family for the day, this was important as it gave us and Dad something to look forward to, we had birthday parties and family time all with Dad within the comfort of the hospice. Dad had high quality food brought to him from the chefs, they even accommodated my Mum.

The staff supported my family and our close friends throughout Dad's final weeks

17th May 2018, Dad passed peacefully and with dignity, with his close family around him, it was exactly how we wanted Dad's final moments to be, the nurses were immensely supportive and understanding in Dad's final hours.

Nightingale House Hospice continue to support my family to this day, and I'm forever grateful for that. Therefore, when given the challenge to raise money for a charity, me and my peers didn't hesitate to choose Nightingale House Hospice. To honour my Dad and the hospice we are deciding to walk the Sandstone Trail a 34 mile long walk across the largely untouched Cheshire County. We decided this challenge as my Dad and Uncle with two close friends also walked this route when I was a child and I've been inspired to do it ever since. It is a privilege to do it with my close friends and in memory of my Dad whilst raising money for an amazing charity