I’m running/ staggering the Leamington Half Marathon on June 23rd to raise money for The Friends of Danetre Hospital.

My mum was diagnosed with cancer in June 2022 and spent her final weeks over that summer in Danetre Hospital. What began as a stay for assessment quickly unravelled into end of life care. The staff were beyond kind and compassionate, helping my mum to feel safe and cared about even through such an awful and frightening time. They all took time to get to know her, they thought about her and we will always be grateful for the way she was looked after. The Friends of Danetre help create the warm environment, for example, the roof top garden where we were able to all sit and have a family get together over a take-away and scones the weekend before she died.

The lottery of cancer and loss brings the shortness and fragility of life into focus - and consequently for me, also the need to try harder to be fit and healthy! Over the past year running has shifted from feeling like a horrible ordeal/chore to a mildly enjoyable and helpful thing to do, but a half marathon is pushing it. It would be great to complete the Leamington Half Marathon and fundraise for Danetre Hospital as a thank you - any donation would be really appreciated.