For Carol Brown and her partner Richard Grimshaw, taking part in the 2019 St Luke’s Night Strider is a chance to give something back to the people who cared for her father George in the final days of his life.
“Dad felt safe and comfortable in St Luke’s, which was very important to us as a family,” Carol says.
“And even though I found the idea of a hospice quite stressful when it was first suggested, as soon as I arrived I felt comfortable too.
“It was my dad’s last Christmas and New Year and all the staff were supportive at all times and not just the nurses, doctors and carers – everybody was spectacular and made an awful situation that bit more bearable.
“I remember one day towards the end that I broke down because my dad was so ill and it was one of the cleaners stopped and gave me a cuddle – that’s how amazing St Luke’s is!”
It’s because of that outstanding level of support that Carol and Richard have now decided to sign up for Night Strider, the annual nocturnal half marathon and 10k walking challenge that aims to raise more than £120,000 towards St Luke’s patient care.
“I just felt that we needed to do something because St Luke’s is such a great place, Carol says.
“We’re doing the full half marathon route and I must admit I’ve never pushed myself this far before.
“We set a target of £250 at first but we raised that almost straight away so now we’ve raised it to £500 and already we’re 85 per cent there and my employers have agreed to match fund my final total so we should get to something like £1,000!”
You can support Carol on JustGiving.
You can sign up for this year's Night Strider now! Take in some of the city’s finest views by moonlight, knowing that every step you take helps us continue supporting Sheffield people affected by terminal illness. Sign up today.