London Marathon

Joanne Compton, 46, Wickford.

“I hate running, I really am not a natural runner and completing the marathon will be a huge mission for me. The months of long tedious training runs in all weathers, the aches, the blisters, the tears, they are all worth it if it means I can raise much needed funds for the Hospice so that other families can benefit from all St. Luke’s Hospice has to offer like my family did.  

“My mum, Pam Bigland, died at St. Luke’s Hospice on the 18th May 2016, her 66th birthday. She had lived with incurable bowel cancer for many years which had spread to her lungs and unfortunately no treatments she received ever made any difference. She was lucky that the cancer was slow growing and so she lived a relatively normal life for a few years. She started attending the day centre at St. Luke's Hospice, meeting with people who also had life limiting illnesses and doing various wonderful activities which she loved and always felt so welcome and looked after.  

“In spring 2015 Mum's cancer had become more aggressive and we were told that she only had about a year to live. She became quite poorly and the respite care received from the Hospice was invaluable, especially the wonderful care team who would sit with my Mum overnight so my Dad could sleep. By May 2016, Mum was very poorly and was admitted to St. Luke’s Hospice to try to manage her pain and very laboured breathing, as the cancer had spread to her lungs by now. She was made comfortable and the care received was above and beyond what we could have imagined, nothing was too much trouble and most days Mum was wheeled out into the beautiful gardens so she could get some fresh air and admire the flowers.  

“After about a week it became very clear as to how poorly Mum was and that she wouldn't be coming home. Family and friends were welcomed and looked after and we were always kept informed as to what was going on, we even had a party planned for her birthday. 

“Unfortunately, in the early hours of Mum's birthday she passed away. My dad and one of the nurses were with her. The nurse met myself and my sister as we arrived at the Hospice and her kindness, love and honesty is something I will be eternally grateful for. We were able to stay with Mum for as long as we wanted and were able to say our goodbyes in a calm, peaceful manner. This is how it should be when you lose a loved one.” 

Lucy Duggan, 32, Wickford. 

“Sadly, I lost my Mum to cancer 19 years ago. She spent her finals few days in St. Luke’s Hospice, and I have always remembered the amazing care given to her by the wonderful staff.   

“My sister and I were very young at the time, and I think it made such a difference being able to visit Mum in a calming, homely environment. I have always wanted to give back, to thank St. Luke’s Hospice for everything they did for my family.   

“I started running during the lockdowns and it’s a hobby I’ve become quite passionate about. So I see this as the perfect challenge! "

Niamh Meehan, 24, Thurrock. 

“My mum was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. At first it was treatable but unfortunately in 2020 we were told there was nothing more they could do, and mum started to receive hospice care.  

“While COVID posed immense challenges for many, it was particularly difficult for those who were terminally ill. St. Luke’s Hospice played a crucial role in my families lives during 2020, where they made it possible for us to care for my mum at home until her very last day.   

“The carers at St. Luke’s Hospice were absolutely amazing, and became like family to us at such a difficult time. Although I am running the marathon in memory of my mum, I am also running it for every young person that has experienced the loss of a parent and is trying to navigate a new life without them. “ 

Michael Gould, 45, Pitsea. 

“In 2020, after an accident my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He underwent radiotherapy and hormone treatment, and everything was looking like it was under control. Until October 2023 when it was discovered that unfortunately the prostate cancer had returned with a vengeance and had unfortunately spread very rapidly.  

“Just seven short weeks after this my dad passed away. During those seven short weeks the care and support he and us as a family received from St. Luke’s Hospice was outstanding and invaluable.   

“In 2023 I ran four marathon races as well as a fair few in training, but London has always been a dream and shortly after Dad's diagnosis, I was lucky enough to be drawn for our running clubs London Marathon place. Dad was over the moon and immediately said I had to run it in aid of St. Luke’s Hospice.”