As a lot of people may know, unfortunately my dad passed away this week although this was anticipated due to his complex health issues it wasn't at all expected quite yet. Dad made the wonderful decision back in June to donate his body to medical science, this means that he won't be having a funeral but instead his body will be helping to train future doctors or help researchers with breakthroughs of the illnesses he had. His body is now in London at King's College hospital and at some point within the next three years we will attend a service commemorating dad, this was completely his wish and something that as a family we supported right up until the end. 

Myself and my mum are so thankful that the wonderful people at the Hospice in the Weald were there for us. The hospice is a beautiful place to visit, well behaved pets are welcome and nothing is ever too much bother for any of the volunteers. Dad was certain from the start of this horrid journey that he wanted to pass at the hospice and with the help of the palliative care nurses at the hospital and the hospice that wish was granted. 

Dad was fond of publicising places/names that deserved recognition and if I can do one thing to honour his memory I would love to show the hospice how thankful my mum and I am for all of their hard work. The team on the ward are phenomenal, the doctors, nurses, counsellors and the volunteers all make the time you spend there as joyful and upbeat as possible. Nothing is ever too much for them, there's always the offer of a cup of tea, a hot meal or a quiet chat if you need it. All of this is offered as a charity, no money is expected to be paid to them, they offer their care and love to complete strangers in their hour of need and they face challenges everyday without expecting any money to be given. 

I'm not asking for a lot of money, even if everyone donated £1, just think about how far that would go. I will be doing all I can, when possible to raise money and seek opportunities to increase my fundraising. 

Thank you to everyone for their support at this difficult time, we are grateful for the well wishes, the hugs, the shoulders to cry on and the love.