LOROS is a charity whose aim is to enhance the quality of life of adult patients with cancer, progressive neurological conditions and end-stage organ failure for whom curative treatment is no longer possible. Patients are treated at the Hospice and in the community based upon clinical need, regardless of background and the ability to pay.

London Marathon 2019

Gary and Karen from Belton are proud to be part of this year's LOROS London Marathon Team 2019.  When you read this we will be about to run the marathon or will have already crossed the finishing line!

Why choose LOROS I hear you say?  Well read on and I will tell you....

I was lucky enough to meet a kind, warm-hearted and beautiful young lady who was a Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mum, Sister in law, Auntie, colleague and friend from Shepshed called Maria Morley (Lowes).  She led me on my journey to offer my support in a volunteering role in 2012 and I haven't looked back.  I recently chatted with Maria's brother Dave to ask if he would be happy for me to share my story, to which he readily agreed:-

It will be 9 years ago this July since Maria was under the care of the hospice, where she so bravely fought her cancer.  I cherished my two visits to support Maria, seeing her on both occasions, with that beautiful smile on her face and hearing her infectious giggle. To this day I still remember those visits, especially when I'm escorting new visitors to see patients in what was Maria's room along the Aviary corridor.

During my second visit, Maria was compiling a list of her favourite songs including, 'So Amazing' by Luther Vandross.  It was a track that both Maria & Chris loved.  It was special to both of them and it's special to me.

I now have it on my training playlist so whenever I'm having a wobble whilst I'm out running, I put this track on and it gives me the kick up the backside I need to keep me going!

Maria, along with her family, found comfort and trusted LOROS at a time when they needed it the most and when life was anything but normal. The team provided exceptional care that was special to Maria's needs.

Sadly, Maria passed away whilst receiving inpatient care at the hospice on 8th July 2010.  She was surrounded by all her family.

During Maria's funeral a family friend said, “If you don't believe in angels, you should visit LOROS - what amazing people".  This is so true.

So there you have it, it's down to this special lady that I have volunteered at the hospice on reception for nearly 7 years now and I've met some wonderful people.  They will be in our thoughts, along with all the many patients, families and their friends that I have supported and welcomed through the doors at LOROS, when we're running this year's 2019 London Marathon.

And finally......

We are hosting a London Marathon After Race Party Fundraiser on Saturday 8th June at Belton Village Hall, Leicestershire with a local band from Diseworth, 'INCOGNOSIS'- fabulous! 

https:/www.facebook.com/Incognosis/ 

We would love for you all to support us, whether it's through raffle prizes, sponsorship or donations via Gary's JustGiving page or attending our After Race Party!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story xxx