Emma’s story

As someone who has had a loved one cared for by Woking & Sam Beare Hospices, and who has had first-hand-experience of the hospice’s support for myself and my five-year-old son Max and what a hugely worthwhile charity it is.

I lost my Mum after her brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease. I would have been lost without the support of such a wonderful team of specialists at the hospice. After Mum passed, I benefited from the hospice’s bereavement services and as part of my healing process I wanted to be able to do something to give back. But it was actually Mum who inspired me to do the London Marathon as she left me £1,000 in sponsorship money as an incentive in her will.

As part of my training I did a number of other challenge runs, including the hospice’s annual Midnight Walk. The experience of taking part in all these events motivated me to keep going towards my goal of completing the gruelling 26 mile London Marathon, which I am proud to say I did in under six hours. It will go down as one of the best days in my life, as well as one of the hardest. But having Max there to cheer me on as I crossed the finish line – I cannot express what a special moment that was.

The standard of care, empathy, respect and compassion the hospice showed towards Mum was fabulous and everyone who needs this sort of specialist care should be able to access it. Your help and support will therefore make a huge difference to many families just like mine