A group of us are running Run Cheltenham 2023 in memory of Zoë Wilson, a wonderful wife, mum of two, sister, daugher, friend and neighbour who passed away in April 2023 and who we all sorely miss.

Zoë had a life limiting brain tumour and when she was nearing the end of her life having been unwell for over two years, she wanted to die in the Sue Ryder Hospice. Throughout her illness she regularly supported them as a charity by making purchases at their shops. As she put it, she didnt want the biscuts to be too rubbish when she got there!

Zoe was one of the lucky ones, she got a bed in the hospice and spent 14 days there with exceptional care from the wonderful and compassionate staff. Their dedication, professionalism and gold standard palliative care made a difficult time for us all that bit easier. This allowed us to focus on being with her during her final days safe in the knowledge she was getting world class care.

It is not a morbid or depressing environment at all. The grand old building was surrounded by beautiful gardens full of spring flowers. Zoë had a well-equipped, light room where friends and family could visit. We even hosted a birthday party for her three year old in it! She had good food and was cared for with dignity and respect. It was very different to a hospital setting which (as wonderful as our NHS is) just can't provide this same level of calm, spacious, individualised end of life care.

The end of Zoe's life was filled with treasured memories, family and friends, kindness and love. As the tumour began to cause confusion and hulicinations, she thought she was at a spa retreat. Sadly, 1 in 4 families are not able to access the end of life care they want. Sue Ryder Hospices and Palliative Care Hubs currently only receive around one-third of the money required to run their end-of-life care services from the Government, meaning they have to fill the shortfall through charitable donations.

Through donations at Zoe‘s funeral we have already raised £3,500 - this pays for seven days of care for a patient at Sue Ryder, Zoe was there for fourteen - so we hope we can raise a little more!

In addition the care did not end when she passed away, Sue Ryder have provided phycological support for her children (7 and 3) as well as family members and Sue Ryder volunteers have made teddies for her boys out of her clothes. We want others to be able to feel as supported as we have.