Today’s marks 2 months since Lisa passed away and it is also what would have been her 36th Birthday. I have decided to run the Oxford Half Marathon this October in Lisa’s loving memory.

In April 2023, heartbreakingly my beautiful younger sister was diagnosed with stage 4 oesophagus cancer. Shortly after, Lisa was visited by the team at Sobell House to discuss her ongoing care. She was devastated and being local to Oxford, associated Sobell with end of life. However looking back, we soon came to realise Sobell were in fact there to support Lisa in living- more comfortably, for as long as possible and with more options. Over the months that followed, Sobell’s home support team provided reassurance when needed and in Lisa’s final hours, despite not being in the hospice, Sobell were there to make sure Lisa moved on to the next life peacefully and with dignity, this is something she always wanted to hold onto and I will always remain so grateful for.

More recently Lisa taught me some valuable life lessons; to always look for happiness in hard times, to surround yourself with good people and to step outside your comfort zone. Running the half marathon in Lisa’s memory will combine all of these values and as I run, I know I will feel her cheering me on. This is a huge challenge for me, I am not a runner - life is busy and getting out for a walk is often a push but it is something I am very determined to complete!

Sobell do so much to care for those in need at the most difficult times, as well as supporting families of loved ones. I hope that this in some way shows the appreciation our own family feel and that it will make Lisa proud.

Jodie x