I am taking part in the Great North Run on 11th September to raise money for Herriot Hospice @ The Lambert.

The Lambert has always been part of my life. When my children were young, I had a little part-time job there as a cleaner. There were so many people who worked there or were being looked after there that you knew - it was a lovely place to work with a lot of laughter, as well as tears. I think it is a great comfort when you're poorly to have such a familiar place in your town with friendly faces.

My mum was looked after there and my husband's father too before he died. He had dementia and our son used to pop in to visit Grandad in his lunchbreak from school, which helped them both. And on her wedding day, our daughter paid Grandad a visit in her wedding dress. Sadly, he died while she was on her honeymoon, but it meant a lot to her to see him that day.

I like to think this will be what it's like when we have Herriot Hospice @ The Lambert - that it will be a comfortable, welcoming place where people with a terminal illness can be helped to live their life to the full. With all those special moments, like we had at the Lambert. Having our own hospice here in Thirsk will make it easier for people, supporting some of the caring responsibility for family and loved ones. I think it's a really lovely plan and a very good thing for us all.