Not only the amazing work that Pendleside Hospicedo has touched my heart, It has been close to home, on different occasions for our family and friends.

My Dad was diagnosed with acoustic melanoma, he lost most of his hearing and his sense of balance and part of his life in his eyes.

'If there was one thing, i did not want to die of cancer' he said to me walking out of the Doctor surgery.

He underwent Radio therapy and was always smiling and so brave, he wanted to keep going and had so much to live for.

It worked, and it shrunk and he was stable and out of danger and it was benign!

Then several years later another blow, unexpected finding of bowl cancer. We were devastated. Various urgent appointments and endless discussion and possibilities. it was like living a nightmare. Good news came that it was stable and not an immediate cause for concern but the operation could still be made. We decided not to operate as it was not causing an issues, another check-up proved us differently and it had grown. We needed to operate, and with being at the older end and COPD we had to undergo tests for the anaesthetic. The results were not great but we had option to lose some weight and improve lung function.... the challenge was on.

'OK dad, you lose the weight and ill train for a marathon' (i had started running but never been seen to have been remotely capable. He lost the weight, I ran the marathon but unfortunately we cannot operate as his COPD is too severe.

So when we were training, together in the Gym on the treadmills on a cold January day, I asked my dad who we were wanting to run to help and straight away he answered Pendleside Hospice. His best friend spent his last days at the hospice and he was so happy to see that his friend was taken well care of and how much work and effort was made by the team there to make him, his family and his friends welcome and comfortable. Not only was my dad there, my mum was also visiting her old friend 2 doors down at the same time.

'The place and people are so wonderful at such a difficult time, I will never forget that.'

this from my Dad, my hero, the one who had faith in me from the day i was a twinkle in his eye.

I want to give back for my dad and me whilst I can, to the hospice for those who cannot.

At the finish line of the Manchester marathon my dad watched people cross with tears and emotion hugging loved ones.... he said watch my girl...

I came beaming smile jumping with joy and total excitement!

'Always do it with a smile'

I hope I can give this to Pendleside hospice and not need anything in return and Just see that smile on my dads face again.