Mike's Sportive story

My Mum died in The Hospice of St Francis on 12 November 2009 at the age of 90.

She had been diagnosed with cancer which had spread to her liver.  After her husband George died in September 2007, we sold the family home in Cowper Road, Berkhamsted and moved her into a nearby warden-controlled flat. She took a great sense of pride in her appearance and was always smartly dressed, made-up and ready for visitors.

But Mum struggled to cope on her own and missed the support and patience which George always provided, particularly as the effects of her cancer took hold. Despite daily visits from carers, friends and family, she found life hard and wasn’t an easy patient.

As a family we were very relieved indeed when she was admitted into the Hospice where she received 24-hour care, 24/7. The Hospice provided a wonderful setting for end-of-life care, with a peaceful garden outlook from each room. Nursing care was exemplary and handled with such love and respect. Family and friends were able to call to see her at any time and in the last few days of her life, my brother flew in from California and joined me after work to sit at her bedside. We appreciated the offer of evening meals so we could spend as much time with Mum as was possible as she slowly slipped away.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t there at the end but was able to spend time with her afterwards as I wished.

As a family we are most grateful for the dignified way Mum spent her last days at The Hospice of St Francis. We’re also mindful of the annual cost burden which must be fundraised each year to provide the service which we experienced.

Over the years since, I’ve been a regular supporter of the Hospice with donations and attendance at the annual Classic Car rally and have also responded to individual appeals.

As an avid cyclist, the opportunity to participate in the inaugural St Francis Sportive is an opportunity not to be missed and I, along with two of my cycling group friends, will be tackling the 75-mile route and have each donated accordingly.

With the 25- and 50-mile options as well, there’s no excuse for not getting involved in what promises to be a fun event! I’m sure it will be a great success and will hopefully be a regular fundraiser on the annual calendar.

Age shouldn’t be a barrier either – 7 weeks after this Sportive, I’ll be 80! So, no excuses, I encourage others to pump up their bicycle tyres, clip on their helmet, and get out training over the next few weeks to join the fun on 6^th September by entering this event, gathering sponsorship from family and friends to raise much-needed funds for this worthy local hospice which you might, like me, need to use one day.

https://www.stfrancis.org.uk/events/fundraising/ride-st-francis-sportive