In July 2017, my wonderful Dad, Ross, bravely faced his terminal cancer diagnosis head on. As a family, we spent eight more precious months making memories we will treasure forever.

Unfortunately, cancer was always there. Dad was moved to Marie Curie hospice at the beginning of March 2018. On the first day Gregor and I admitted we were afraid of what lay behind those doors. The connotations associated with the word “hospice" fuelled our fear of the unknown. The Marie Curie hospice had never been more than a marker point on our running route, it was about to become our second home for a month.

Marie Curie hospice was a welcome warmth in a terrifying situation. Dad was comfortable in a wonderful room. We could order hot meals so we didn’t have to leave to eat. Dad could have visitors and “host” them through in the lounge space with cups of tea and coffee, this made him feel less like a patient and more like Ross. The whole family was offered both talking and massage therapies. Dad could make himself feel at home with wine, a macdonalds milkshake or a visit from the dogs. The staff at Marie Curie hospice provided individualised and wonderful care for our whole family. For that, we will be forever grateful.

At the beginning of April Dad sadly passed away. As we sat in shock trying to process the news,wonderful nurse June was there with a warm hug and comforting words. She spoke not only as a nurse but as a person who had taken the time to get to know Dad and our family.

The past eight months, and in particular the past few weeks, have been the most difficult period of our lives. Cancer directly affects an individual but it also leaves a lasting impression on their loved ones. It’s heartbreaking to know that we are not the first family to go through this, cancer is happening right now to millions of people.

It costs £10,300 a day to keep the Edinburgh hospice open. Please help by contributing to this wonderful cause.

By donating to this page, or using this page in the future if you are fundraising in Ross' memory, you will contribute to our long-term fundraising goal.

Thank you,

Shell, Maddy and Gregor

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