Having worked and volunteered at the Hospice for nearly seven years now I thought it was about that time again where I put my money where my mouth is and take on a challenge in aid of St Nic's. 

When you take on a challenge like the London Marathon, it really is important to focus on the reasons why you're making such a commitment as this really does help carry you every step of the way. Being hospice based I am inspired every single day, but I decided to speak to one of our amazing nurses Natasha, to see why she was so passionate about the Hospice and to be honest she summed it up so perfectly. 

Natasha talked about the importance of acknowledging the concept of "total pain" and that medication only goes so far in helping control someone's symptoms. At St Nic's sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference, and therefore it is so important to treat everyone as individuals. For example instead of talking about the medication and the around the clock care the hospice provides, Natasha focused on the little things that go a huge way to making someone feel comfortable and at peace, such as:

- playing heavy metal music to a dying man as that was his favourite genre of music

- giving a patient their favourite whisky on a sponge for taste as they were unable to swallow

- throwing a hen party the night before a lady got married on the ward.

- helping a gentleman get a wedding anniversary card & present for his wife who would be visiting him the next day.

- just sitting there and holding someones hand as they express their anger and frustration at the situation they find themselves in.

All these little things go a big way to making St Nicholas Hospice Care that truly unique place.

Over the last year another person who has truly inspired me is one of our supporters, Dan. Not only has Dan inspired me with his fundraising efforts, but he has also inspired everyone at the hospice who has met him.

Dan's wife Lisa sadly died at the end of 2021 at the age of 43 and since then Dan has really thrown himself into raising vital funds for the Hospice taking on various marathon challenges and also becoming a great volunteer.

Getting to know people like Dan is one of the greatest privileges of working at St Nic's, but it's also easily the worst thing about the role, as in an ideal world our paths would have never had to cross. However it brings me so much comfort knowing that when people need our services St Nic's are able to support them all the way. 

So when I hit the streets of London on April 23rd I will be thinking of Lisa and also the amazing team at St Nic's who help so many people through such difficult times.

As always I am extremely grateful to everyone for all their support, and I know i ask a lot, but your support really does help make a huge difference. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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