About 9 years ago when Nik and I moved to Purbrook, I was fortunate enough to have some spare time and wandered in to the hospice (less than a half a mile from where we lived) to find out how I could become a volunteer. During the next 6 years I can honestly say that The Rowans become a very important part of both our lives and being able to help support the wonderful staff and patients was a real privilege.

My own father passed away in a hospice in the USA in 1987 and so the work that hospices does has always resonated with me.

During those 6 years, I developed some great friendships with staff and volunteers at The Rowans. Running the marathon is my way of keeping that connection with the hospice and those people I now consider true friends.