Gemma’s story
“You’ll have to run the London Marathon now!”
Once a goal of his that he didn’t get to achieve, Peter Cook jokingly said this to his daughter, Gemma, as her mum, Karen Cook, spent her final few days in the hospice.
After a five-year battle with bowel cancer, Gemma’s mum was referred to Woking & Sam Beare Hospice by the hospital. Like so many people, Gemma feared what the hospice would be like, but she and her mum were instantly calmed as they arrived.
The nurses made such a difference as they reassured us and helped us not to feel scared.
Gemma was also able to stay overnight in the room with her mum. Initially thinking she just had days left, Karen ended up spending three weeks at the hospice and Gemma is convinced that the calming atmosphere and incredible support from the nurses and doctors are what kept her going. During her stay, she was able to visit the Wellbeing Centre for complementary therapies which Gemma was also able to take advantage of as her carer.
Karen died on the 7th of May 2022.
It was a horrendous time in our lives, which was made so much easier by the amazing team at the hospice. They cared so well for her at the end and have continued to be a huge support to my family.
Gemma’s Dad may have made the London Marathon suggestion in jest, but Gemma took it to heart and decided that this was her opportunity to do something to make a difference in memory of her Mum.
“Anyone who knows me at all will know I am not a runner. My longest run to date (pre-training!) was probably in year 9 at school, so it will be a huge challenge for me to just get to the start line.”
The sheer determination of someone to achieve something they once would have thought impossible is truly amazing, and Gemma certainly showed how it’s done running such a great distance. She raised a total of over £4000 for the Hospice which was well over the target she had hoped for.
I just want to say a HUGE thank you for allowing me to run for you, for being wonderful supports throughout my training, and for cheering us on during the race.
"If this story has inspired you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and do something amazing to help raise money for Woking & Sam Beare Hospice, you can find more information on our Challenge page. "
