So what am I up to? Well, as many of you know, my Dad died at the end of January 2011, having been diagnosed with stomach cancer last June. This led me and my immediate family into close contact with many wonderful, caring health professionals who offered support, advice and a shoulder to cry on over those long eight months.

My Mum proudly, stoically and stubbornly cared for Dad at home until his very last few days. On Thursday 30 January he was taken into Wakefield Hospice where he died during the evening of Saturday 29 January.

It's hard to exaggerate the level of care and support that was given both to Dad and to my Mum, my sisters and to me over those three days. The hospice is wonderful - a warm, friendly, supportive and unbelievably positive place, with both staff and facilities second to none. As far as it could ever be possible, over the time Dad was there, they cast a little light on very dark times. I could never thank them enough.

So, if I can never thank them enough I can at least strap on my boots and do my bit to help raise some funds for them. At the end of September I'm therefore doing 10 miles in their Walk to Remember.

Please give whatever you can :)

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