My Story

I am taking part in the 2025 Great North Run to raise vital funds for Alice House Hospice. 

I will be running in memory of two very special people who sadly passed away this year, my mam and my good friend Roni.

My mam was admitted to the Hospice in January 2025 and sadly passed away on January 24th. 

Whilst in The Hospice I was struck by the care and compassion they gave my mam, nothing was an issue and their lovely/caring staff were always available, day or night. 

From the moment I first walked in the Hospice, I knew my mam would be cared for as I saw a member of staff just sitting with my mam, just sat offering reassurance.....just caring and being a nice person. That same person then came and reassured me that they'd look after my mam.  

The following days/nights were so emotionally difficult but it was made a little easier as I witnessed how caring and genuine the staff were. Not once did I ever wait longer than 30 seconds for a Nurse or Health Care Assistant to come and see to my mam. 

Not many places have visitor facilities where you and your visitors can go and make a cup of tea, keep your own food in a fridge - all simple things but intended to make your time there more comfortable. 

I always knew the Hospice did great things but it's only when I witnessed first hand their care and compassion that I realised it's not "just a job" for the staff. The staff in the Hospice are there for patients and their families in their darkest and most difficult moments. 

In March, my good friend Roni spent his final day in the Hospice, I know the comfort he will have had by being there and surrounded by his lovely family, especially Lisa, Liam and Kyle. 

Roni and I worked together for over 15yrs and he had the privilege of being my manager for much of that time. When Roni passed away, lots of people acknowledged Roni was my manager but before all that and most importantly he was a good friend. 

I know the cost of living has gone up but that doesn't stop the Hospice providing exceptional care. Despite the spiralling costs, the Hospice continues to provide care and support 365 days a year, 24hrs a day. 

My target is ambitious but that doesnt come close to their daily running costs. 

A coffee at Costa/Starbucks costs about £5, a similar donation or more (plus gift aid) would go towards making a difference to a patient and their families stay in the Hospice. 

The Hospice also provide after care support which includes bereavement counselling. 

The Hospice relies on donations and they receive just over 25% of their total income from the Government. 

It costs over £3million a year to provide vital services to patients. 

I would be grateful for any support, however big or small.

This is my small way of giving something back to the Hospice and saying Thank You for all the care they provided. 

Philly x