Part 1. My father, Howard, had been suffering from kidney failure for several years, and as his health deteriorated, the ongoing care he received from the lovely team at Rennie Grove increased. By 2020 we were all in lockdown, and the family were unable to go in and help mum and dad. We relied heavily on the care team to keep them both safe and well. Unfortunately, Dad contracted COVID in 2021 and was hospitalised. After a couple of weeks in hospital, we understood that dad no longer had quality of life, and he was very clear, in his 'Howard' way,  that he was ready to stop his life-sustaining dialysis treatment and come home. Fulfilling his wish became our mission, and was only possible because of the Rennie Grove Peace Hospice at Home service. 

He came home on the day of my parents' 58th wedding anniversary, giving him and mum the opportunity to down a last, celebratory glass of prosecco together! Dad died a few days later on Feb 14^th, 2021. As a family, we found incredible comfort in the fact that Dad was at home with mum, my siblings and I, his grandchildren and even Mallie the dog by his side. The team from Rennie Grove Peace Hospice were by his side every single day, even though the country was in COVID lockdown. They treated dad with the utmost respect, taking care of his every need with such sensitivity which was, as a proud and private man, no small feat. Not only did they support dad, but every single person on the team was immensely kind and supportive to the rest of the family, and for that we are forever grateful. 

Part 2. The next part of my journey is one I find hard to share, and that's my weight loss journey. I'm hoping that by sharing my story, it will help others with theirs. Deep breath, here goes. I was overweight and unhappy. There, I've said it. It affected every single aspect of my life, and I was mentally and physically exhausted. I just couldn't do it any more. I was 53 and wanted my life back. Actually, I just wanted a life. 

So a year ago, I embarked on the hardest and most rewarding journey of my life: I lost weight. It has been (and still is) a huge struggle. I continue to fight every single day, but I'm getting there.

Sport has become an integral part of my day, and running in particular has become part of my life. It keeps my mind healthy, but it's often hard to stay motivated,  so I need a goal . You know where this is going... Running for a good cause seems like the perfect combination. Which is the perfect segway to...

Part 3. The London Marathon 2024. Rennie Grove Peace Hospice have been kind enough to give me a charity place next year. In return, I have pledged to raise £2500 in my father’s memory, and I need your help to reach that goal. So let's do it!

But this isn’t only our story - if you would like me to run in your loved one’s memory, let me know when you make a donation, and I will add a bow with their name to my running shirt on the big day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to anyone who can make a donation and support me in this hugely personal challenge. With love, Kate