Childrens Hospice South West (UK)

I think that most people reading this blog will know that BNI New Zealand has aligned itself with Hospice New Zealand and that we are doing all we can to raise the awareness of the wonderful service this organisation provides – free of charge – to those in need.  It was very moving therefore to find out last week that my little sister in the UK is also involved in a fundraising event for Hospice.  Here is her story:

MY FUNDRAISING EVENT

Those of you who know me will know that I like to keep fit and active. However, I have always said that I would never run a marathon, as it is such a long way. Nobody is therefore more surprised than I am to find that I have entered the Edinburgh Marathon in May 2010 – my first (and last) marathon. However, my motivation is quite clear – I want to raise money for Childrens Hospice South West.

In July 2009, a precious little girl called Katie spent her final days at the Hospice. She died shortly after her 6th birthday. Her parents have said that Childrens Hospice South West changed all of their lives. Katie suffered a lot of pain in her last few months, and the Hospice improved her quality of life immeasurably. The Hospice also support the whole family, and are supporting Katie’s parents and younger sister, on an ongoing basis.

I have three children and I cannot imagine how it must feel to lose a child. My middle child is the same age as Katie. They knew each other all of their lives, and were in the same class at school. I remember feeling in awe of the way that the children accepted Katie for who she was, and didn’t discriminate against her because of her increasing disabilities.

I am in no doubt that running a marathon will be a huge endurance challenge for me. However, it is nothing compared to what others have to endure. Raising money in support of Children’s Hospice South West is my small way of saying thank you.

Please help me and give generously.