Three people who have experienced first hand the impact of compassionate hospice care for their loved ones will be amongst the runners taking part in this year’s Worcester City Runs on Sunday, 13 September.
They are part of a group of 16 supporters running in the popular 10K and half marathon events to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice.
Ruth McAll from Worcester knows just how much dignified hospice care can mean to a family. She’ll be taking part in memory of her much-loved dad, Eric Brown.
Ruth said: “My wonderful dad received five weeks of fantastic care at St Richard’s Hospice. This invaluable support allowed us to focus simply on being a family after a very difficult period in hospital.
“The hospice team even came together to create a special Christmas meal for our whole family.
“I’m deeply grateful to the entire team for their incredible dedication, and I intend to support the hospice for the rest of my life. We’re truly fortunate to have such an amazing service available here in Worcester.”
Chris Trouton from Worcester is turning a special anniversary into support for local families when they need it most. She’ll be taking part in this year’s Worcester City Run to mark 10 years since she lost her mum and best friend, Ruth Trouton.
Chris said: “Training for the Worcester City 10K began back in March, and although it’s been going well, it hasn’t been without its setbacks.
“The reason I’m pushing myself is because this year marks 10 years since I lost my beautiful mum. She wasn’t just my mum. She was my best friend.
“To honour her memory, I’m running the Worcester City 10K while raising money for St Richard’s Hospice, a charity that will always hold a special place in my heart. The care and support they provide to patients and their families is truly incredible, and this is my way of giving something back.”
Stuart Rowberry is taking in the Worcester City Run to honour his dad Martin’s memory and to support other families facing the toughest of times.
Stuart said: “Back in April, St Richard’s Hospice cared for my dad in the final days of his life.
“During that incredibly difficult time, my family and I were blown away by the care for Dad and for us all. The kindness, compassion, dignity and humour the team brought to us all was exceptional and will never be forgotten.
“I’m proud to be able to give something back so that others can benefit from the same incredible care. So, on Sunday 13 September I’ll be taking part in the amazing Worcester City Run, raising vital funds for St Richard’s.”
St Richard’s Hospice is an independent charity offering free, expert care for adults with an illness that cannot be cured, and support for their loved ones and carers.
Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,000 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
It will cost in the region of £12m to run the hospice this year, which includes patient care and all the necessary support services.
St Richard’s relies on voluntary support, including from donations, gifts in Wills, retail and events for most of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS.
For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit www.strichards.org.uk. If you’d like to take part in a run for St Richard’s visit runforcharity.com/charity-eventhub/st-richards-hospice/allevents.