Teresa Howard-Birt
Together Forever
Fundraising for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity
Story
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DAD and my STEP MOTHER SANDIE
Five years ago my Dad was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer. He fought his fight with much courage and determination to the very end. Sadly he had no energy to continue the fight and hung up his cape in July 2019. Cancer is not pleasant by any means. Those that knew my dad will know he had additional complications throughout his treatment which resulted in life threatening sepsis many times, not forgetting the endless operations. Dad is the truth of his birth sign. LEO the lion. Strong and brave.
In the last 2 weeks of his life. Our aim was to fulfill his remaining wishes by whatever means possible.
1. Reach father's day
2. To renew his wedding vowels for his pearl Anniversary
3. To see ALL the family including all grandchildren
4. For him not to die alone.
💚💜In June last year my sister and I planned our Dads surprise 30th Pearl Wedding Vow Renewal at the Hospice, on the same day that we took part in the Midnight Walk. Dad saw us getting ready in our Fancy dress costumes ready to set off and do a 10 mile walk. The hospice gave our dad his very own medal 💚💜
💚💜Florence Nightingale Hospice is a very special place. Tucked away on the site of Stoke Mandeville Hospital. You would never know the difference it makes to people at the most difficult times. Providing palliative and end of life care through its inpatient unit as well as the new Hospice at Home Service, Lymphoedema clinic, Day Hospice, Bereavement and listening service and also the Children’s Florrie’s team. The charity needs £1 million each and every year to keep the services running. Throughout Dads stay in the hospice nothing was ever to much trouble for the nurses and volunteers. They are very caring with their patients regardless of the different needs they all have. Not only did they care for my Dad with last few hours, they were there for us as a family too. With your help I’m asking for donations however big or small to help this amazing charity to mark my dads 1st Anniversary. But to also help me bring some closure. I literally miss my every day
This year I’m going to take part in 2 events to the mark the 1st anniversary of his passing and his Birthday. Time has flown by so quickly it stills feels like yesterday. I think it's harder to come to terms with his passing as fathers day, the day of his funeral and his birthday are all so close together in the space of 2 weeks
💜💚Event No1... Not the midnight walk -10 Miles (The sunrise stroll ) in July which has now replaced the original midnight walk in october, due to government restrictions around the COVID Virus I'll be doing this exactly 10 days after my dads anniversary (CHALLENGE COMPLETED) 18/07/2020 12.1 miles, 2 more than planned
💚💜Event No2 VITTUAL LONDON MARATHON
Not going lie, as much as I want and need to do event 2.I am worried alot that with my physical disability following my stroke My left arm and leg may not hold out. Sadly despite the amount of exercise I do, my leg and arm will never be the same again they will always fatigue greatly under strain. Although I can use my arm and leg they are permanently heavy and numb. My sense of balance is that of a drunken night, so you see why I have my concerns.
Not going lie, as much as I want and need to do event 2.I am worried alot that with my physical disability following my stroke My left arm and leg may not hold out. Sadly despite the amount of exercise I do, my leg and arm will never be the same again they will always fatigue greatly under strain. Although I can use my arm and leg they are permanently heavy and numb. My sense of balance is that of a drunken night, so you see why I have my concerns.
On the postitive side, those who do know me know me well, and well enough I won't give up and will give everything I have to get through both challenges :)
My just giving page will remain open untill October 2021
I would love to raise as much as possible. So PLEASE PLEASE dig deep in your pockets .....who knows one day you may need their support too. The charity like many others will take a massive hit this year due to current Pandemic situation. They need all the help we can give them.
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