Hi everyone,

Well here we go again!  For the third year running I am doing the midnight walk for Nightingale House - a cause very dear to me. 

Mum was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 (this was the second time she d had it having had it already in 1993).  It was a huge shock to us all but with her usual positivity she rose to the challenge of trying to get on with life and make the most of it.  She was referred to Nightingale House late in 2007 where she received therapy to ease the pain she was in by using the hydrotherapy pool. She grew to enjoy her visits to the hospice and they were a wonderful support to her.

In late 2009 her illness worsened and whilst Dad had cared for her at home as long as he could eventually she needed specialist nursing and she went into Nightingale House.  Very sadly just 4 days after admission she died.

Nightingale House were fantastic to her and also to us as a family.  All the staff were so kind and amazing in their care of Mum and, after her death, the family she had left behind.

In 2010 'Team Ingrid' walked 10 miles - what an incredible night that was. All that training - every weekend from January helped me channel my grief and focus on something worthwhile.  Just 6 months after mum had died it was such a mixture of emotions to be walking in her memory.  Between us we raised over £3000 which was amazing.

In 2011 'Team Ingrid' walked again although the group was smaller and I raised over £600.  I m sure mum was watching over me as I started to struggle at 8 miles!! 

30th June 2012 will see me walk with Ellie,my daughter, who has been bursting to do this walk!! but never been old enough - until this year.  We ll be walking with Wendy, mums sister who is huge supporter of Nightingale House.

Please please sponsor us - whatever amount you can give - I know things are hard for everyone at the moment but imagine how difficult it is for hospices to raise their funds in this economic climate.  The hospice needs £7000 a DAY to operate and there are so many families who need their help.

So whatever amount you can contribute we will be immensely grateful for.  Mum/Nana/Sis is our inspiration - she was such a positive person with a neverending love for her family.  How blessed we were to have her in our lives.

Lots of love

Michelle and Ellie