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After being an athlete in my much younger days I picked up running again in my 40th year when I joined a ladies running group (TGCR) and I found a new love. I was lucky and managed to get a ballot place in the GNR a race which has always been on my bucket list. I had decided not to raise money as I didn't want any extra pressure!

However that all changed when I sadly lost my brother in law, the infamous Phil Defty in May this year to Myeloma cancer, a battle he bravely fought for 14 years. Phil was blessed to be treated and looked after several times during his journey at St Cuthbert's Hospice at Neville's Cross. At the family's wish he also spent his last 24 hrs there where he passed away with dignity and the most outstanding care you could wish for, his last few moments were spent with my sister by his side and my 10 yr old niece Lucy laid on his chest. The care throughout and afterwards was fantastic, the staff brought Lucy a beautiful memory box and memory books to fill in and family and friends including his two sons Robert and Jona were able to spend time saying goodbye. This experience especially for Lucy losing her daddy was heartbreaking but with the support from staff and the environment at the hospice she was able to say goodbye properly and not be frightened of the whole experience. 

When Phil found out earlier this year that I had a place in the GNR he told me all about the time he did it a story he has told many times!! He described the achievement he felt and he specifically described running across the Tyne Bridge and the sound and atmosphere.   So with this in mind I have decided to raise money for St Cuthbert's Hospice so others can receive the care he did and children like Lucy can have the support needed at such an awful time.
My aim is to beat Mr Defty's time of 2hrs 41mins (we all know how competitive he was!!!)

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