There are many reasons that I am running the London Marathon for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. Firstly, I wish to run in memory of my brother James who was tragically killed in an accident over twenty years ago whilst traveling abroad, he was 21. He didn't get to live his best life and he would absolutely love this!

Also, my grandma Lynn who sadly died of cancer four years ago, she was everything to me and a formidable figure in my life. I am proud to say I cared for her and loved her in the last weeks, days and hours of her life.

Having lived through the loss of loved ones I have experienced grief in different ways and this life experience has enabled me to make the carer choices I passionately choose today. I have worked at Thorpe Hall Hospice as an Occupational Therapist the past three years.

I am one of those annoying people who loves their job, I bounce into work every day to make a difference to my patient’s life and that of their family. My job is particularly varied, working alongside a Physiotherapist and an Activities Coordinator we enable patients to live the best life they can. Our focus is ‘what matters to me’ what do the patients want to achieve with us at Thorpe Hall and how do we make this happen?

I feel very lucky to work at Thorpe Hall, the inpatient unit team are amazing, we strive for the best possible care for our patients. There are times when you do make a personal connection with your patients and their loved ones, whilst this can be particularly sad at times, I remain fortunate to have the support of the team and also, I am proud to be a part of that patient’s journey knowing I have given the best possible care.

These are some of the many reasons I am going to run the London Marathon for a cause I believe in on a daily basis, I see the amazing work we all do and could not be prouder to be a part of it.

Please support me in anyway you can via my just giving page, liking and sharing any social media posts and being a cheerleader for this amazing cause!