Ok folks, I’ve done the unthinkable and committed to running the Virgin London Marathon on the 17^th April 2011. 

 

Given I have only just been signed off by my surgeon after a lengthy recovery from knee surgery, you would be entitled to think I am crazy....”Why oh why?” I hear you say...well I have good motivations for choosing to take on this 26.2 mile (or 40,000 steps!) challenge!

 

In September 2001 my Grandad sadly passed away after a brave battle with Cancer. My Grandad was an exceptional human being and was a rock in the family. In good times and bad, he never lost his capacity to listen and advise, nor to inspire everyone with his warmth and kindness. He was a Londoner through and through and I want to take this opportunity to personally pay tribute to him in his own back yard!

 

Towards the end of his battle, he was admitted to the Cynthia Spencer Hospice and passed away spending his last living days in their care. The staff at Cynthia Spencer worked tirelessly to help ease the pain of a very sad time for me and my family. Somehow they knew the right thing to do and say to make my Grandad as comfortable as possible, reassuring us that his last moments were those of dignity and comfort.

Although thank you at the time was all me and my family could say, it is hard to thank someone enough for the kind of support and comfort they provided at such a difficult time. So I am lucky enough now to be able to give something back and say thank you properly by running the marathon in honour of both their work and in memory of my Grandad.

  

Cynthia Spencer Hospice provides a specialist health service for people with cancer and whose illness is no longer curable. With the emphasis on dealing with the physical problems of patients to ensure their comfort, they also endeavour to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of them and their loved ones, providing support and friendship throughout their illness and during the time of bereavement.

 

Both I and the hospice will be eternally grateful for your support. No matter the size of your contribution you can feel proud in the knowledge that you will help make life a little easier for all those living with cancer in Northampton and will have helped me to honour my Grandad’s memory.

 

Please dig deep and donate now.

Thanking you from the soles of my (soon to be sore) feet!

Dean