Sarah and her husband Rob are joining the Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride in honour of Sarah’s Dad, Bernard, who sadly passed away from Oesophageal Cancer in February 2019.
Sarah and Rob decided to embark on the challenge, and follow in Bernard’s footsteps, who did the challenge when Sarah was younger. They have chosen to raise money for Wigan & Leigh Hospice, who cared for her Dad throughout his cancer diagnosis.
Sarah said,
“We always said we would do it together and even when my Dad became ill, I still had hope we would in the future. I have always enjoyed events like this, how everyone comes together to raise money for such amazing causes!”
Sarah’s Dad was diagnosed in May 2018 and was referred to Wigan & Leigh Hospice for end of life care. At first, he was apprehensive and thought it was somewhere you simply go to die. However, they quickly realised it wasn’t just that.
She said,
“My Dad and our family found it the most comforting, supportive and gentlest of places. It gave us somewhere we could spend time together and be given support and advice from those who fully understand palliative care.”
Sarah recalls a time when her Dad was coming back to the hospice after a few weeks in hospital due to his cancer spreading. He was struggling to communicate fully whilst in the ambulance, but the moment they arrived at the Hospice, his face lit up when he saw the nurses waiting for him.
She said,
“He squeezed my hand and his smile was back. It has always given me such comfort to know how Dad felt to be there. I’ll never forget my Dad’s smile in that moment.”
Since her families experience with hospice care, Sarah understands more than ever that fundraising is vital for Wigan & Leigh Hospice to be able to continue offering support and comfort to those in need.
We wish Sarah and Rob the best of luck and cannot thank them enough for their support and fundraising!
If you would like to support Sarah and Rob on their fundraising journey, please visit their JustGiving page here.