To This Point

I meant to start this blog on day one but haven't quite got around to it, in my head I have written some hilarious, moving and down right brilliant pieces but I was never in a position to write it down.  So here is a very quick catch up, a background that will hopefully explain why at 53, having not exercised for many years I am going to run my first marathon!

My name is Viv, it has to be said that last year was not the best for any of my family but whatever had happened previously became completely insignificant when we learned that my brother had cancer.  I thought when he first called to tell me that it was probably early days and there would be something they could do, there is so much they can do these days.  When he and his wife visited some weeks later however, I knew the instant I opened my door that there was nothing they could do, this was a fight he would not win.  

It was just three months from the phone call to the day he died.  It was the saddest of days but it has to be said that I remember it with warmth.  The reason for that is because of where he died, he spent his last two weeks at Isabel Hospice in Welwyn Garden City.  Following weeks in Harlow and later a London Hospital where the emphasis was on cure the hospice was a place of calm, quiet acceptance.  It was a little oasis in the middle of chaos where it felt as though time stood still.  The staff had an intuitive ability to always be there when they were needed without ever taking over.  As a family we will be eternally grateful to the wonderful people at Isabel Hospice.  For that reason, when I got the letter to say that I had been successful in the ballot for the Marathon, there was no question that I wouldn't do it and, as it was the day before what would have been my brothers 58th birthday it seems absolutely right that I will run it for the hospice. 

So, for all the extraordinary people at Isabel Hospice and for my lovely, courageous brother - this is for you .........


If you would like to support Isabel Hospice and sponsor me you can do so by visiting:

www.virginmoneygiving.com/VivienneKanharn

Thank you