In March 2022 my mother, Muriel Owen, died. In the final weeks of her life she received priceless care from the staff of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. Not only was she cared for with compassion, dignity and respect, but her family were looked after and able to be with her during those final days.

Facilities for us were basic and improvised, but the staff went out of their way to ensure that me and the rest of our family were helped and supported, and listened to.

It was a vivid and depleting experience. I realised that the staff of the Royal are exceptional people who deserve any help I can muster to help them deliver care for patients at the end of their lives, and their families.

In October this year, I'll be running my fifteenth marathon, and my fourth at Loch Ness. I've decided to dedicate this effort to my mother's memory and to try to raise a worthy sum for Liverpool University Hospitals Charity, and specifically for their use of the SWAN model to provide better care for patients and their families in the situation I experienced.

I want the families of dying patients not to have to endure unnecessary suffering because of a shortage of resources and processes to help them. Having experienced this first hand, I want the support that's needed to be put in place for those who will follow me.

I know that times are hard, but as the saying goes, many hands make light work. If you can spare just a few quid that will make a difference, and it will cost nothing at all to pass on the link to this appeal if you have a moment. If you could do both, I'd be overjoyed.

The week before my mum died, the group Marillion released their song "Care". It spoke very directly to me and includes the lines:

"The angels in this world are not on the walls of churches

The heroes in this world are not in the hall of fame"

Please help me help the real angels and heroes.

Dave.