My mum, Alison Hughes, passed away from a brain tumour on December 9th, 2020.  The support of a very extensive professional care team (alongside incredible amounts of support from her family and friends) enabled my mum to be nursed at home for nearly 12 months prior to being transfered to the Princess Alice Hospice (PAH) at Esher for her final days. 

The Hospice Community Team played a vital role in caring for mum with their unique knowledge and expertise in palliative care. However, whilst Alison was at the hospice, I discovered that they are not able to operate to full capacity, due to a desperate lack in funding for nursing staff. 

So, we have decided to raise £6,000 for PAH by rowing a full marathon (26.2 miles) on a rowing machine and I have conned my dad (!) into rowing a half marathon (13.1miles) side by side with me, on another machine.  This will take place on Friday 28th May.  It would mean the world to Alison to see us doing something like this together and it will be a very demanding physical challenge for us both.  Indeed one of her favourite sayings was that 'we will not roll over and put our little paws in there' - we will certainly both be channeling that sentiment while stuck on the rowing machine for hours.  

The hospice really is a place of peace and tranquility where the staff are simply amazing at making you feel as welcome as possible in such tough circumstances. 

The realities of cancer and caregiving for family members are incredibly difficult and would be even tougher without institutions like the PAH. Together my dad and I will row some 39.3 miles and it would be great if you can give what you can the Princess Alice Hospice. 

Given the year the NHS have endured, my dad and I will be matching any donations made here by donating to our local hospital, St Georges in Tooting.  They provided a great deal of treatment for my mum from various A&E visits to her her diagnosis and onwards.  Also, much more positively, it is where Sadie and I's first child will be delivered in July!

We will hopefully live stream the row (what entertainment!) and enable people to choose music for encouragement so more details to follow.  In the meantime you can follow our progress here www.instagram.com/downing_pounds_not_pints

Thanks,