Lake Taupo Hospice - HALF MARATHON 2020

BACK STORY:

My mother and father are the true love at first sight story! See each other across a crowded space and instantly knew that they were meant to be.

They had three Amazing children.... of which I am the baby! They raised us with a strong foundation, taught us morals and values. Not in a strict way, and I cant tell you how, it just was.

Roll on 50 years of wonderful memories, not all good ones and we had our fair share of struggles but each one made us stronger as a family.

The 50 Yr milestone was marked with a trip abroad, again - wonderful memories made.

The plans for retirement were building, the list was growing and us kids were even included from time to time hehe.

THEN...

Tragedy struck us all. Mum started getting ill.

Our Matriarch was battling, we felt helpless, there was nothing we could do to save her. My sister was amazing, she kept the family home running, took care of everyone.

Dad was incredible. Never left her side, was there for every appointment and did whatever he had to do.

Mum had always been a strong yet gentle soul, she never complained and was more concerned about us than herself. A true hero if you ask me, battled valiantly with grace and dignity.

I was an hour away but visited every chance I could. I felt helpless but also knew that all was taken care of and in very safe capable hands. that was a great comfort. but wished I could do more.

The decline was very quick. It July when the illness started its attack. and by September it had its grip.

Hospice was called in to help Mum with all things that would make her final days comfortable. The care workers were incredible. They seemed to match our sense of humor, which was paramount, it meant we could be ourselves, and they felt like part of the family.

November came and the end was near. How everyone managed to keep going under the circumstances... I really take my hat off to them all.

Mum passed approx. 5 months after the illness reared its ugly head. RIP Mum Forever Loved

TODAY:

I have been raising funds for Cancer Society since 2013 through the Walking Stars event Mainly because there wasn’t an event for Taupo. However because of Covid-19 – Walking Stars is Cancelled.

I want to give back! I’m not going to let this pandemic stop me from that which drives me! Thanks to Give A Little, I have that ability to do just that!

The team at Hospice only get funding from local initiatives and with this pandemic, stores closing and everyone out of action they are stretched beyond capacity.

So please help with a small donation I don’t wish illness on anyone but if it does strike, Id want this team by my side… Lets help keep them going!