Thank you for taking the time to peruse my Just Giving page. 

I have been thinking about how best to give back for everything that St Francis have done for my family - it is easy to allow months or even years to pass without doing anything major apart from a passing thought. But, everyday they are helping people living with a terminal illness, just like my Grandad and my family, through what can be undeniably one of the most harrowing times of their lives.

My Grandad developed leukiemia which he had for a fair few years before we started noticing signs of dementia, not long after, he was diagnosed with lewy body dementia. None of my family really understood the symptoms, or what this was going to mean, or how that would effect him, I didn't really understand too much until I got a bit older and he was battling the early signs of dementia. It was during the stress of A-Level exams that we were at some of the hardest points as a family.

But my Grandad was much more than what he had, it was what he was that left such an imprint on the hearts of people that he has left behind.

My Grandad's name was Bill and he was a Father, Grandad, Friend and Husband. I remember him as a black cab driver in London. I remember my Grandad always had a pack of tic tacs in his glove compartment, and whenever anyone needed directions, you would never want to ask him as he would tell you every turn from door to door! But before this he had a whole entire life that he lived out, memories that were made, and experiences that were lived. 

Never did we think that this life would be cut short so prematurely but thanks to the St Francis Hospice and their wonderful team, he could live with dignity at the end of his life, with absolute kindness and care that anyone would want for their loved one. 

I am not much of a runner, especially during covid (as I have taken on a couple of extra chins!) but I want to be able to complete 26.2 miles, which is equivalent to a marathon by 25th December. 

Anything you can donate will go directly to helping St Francis Hospice do the amazing work they do, and I hope everyone will get behind them this Christmas by donating while I freeze my t*ts off this December!

Thanks for all of your support :)

Shannon