A Worcester woman is taking on the London Marathon in memory of her ‘inspirational’ mother and raising funds for the hospice who cared for her.
Stephanie Holmes of Lyppard, Worcester, is running the Virgin London marathon in April in support of St Richard’s with the hopes of raising at least £2,000 as a way of giving thanks for all the care given to her mother, Alison Holmes, and support for her bereaved family. Mrs Holmes was living with cancer until her death in 2006.
Miss Holmes, a teacher at Droitwich Spa High School, said, “My mum was a courageous and inspirational woman, who fought until the very end. She didn’t let her illness prevent her from working hard and living life to the full. She was my world…but everything I do she is with me driving me forward. Hopefully she will help me with this crazy challenge.
“St Richard’s Hospice provided my mum with a place to go and relax with aromatherapy and Reiki sessions amongst others. Their nurses cared for her until the very end and allowed her to spend her last moments with the people she loved the most, in our home. Without them, that would not have been possible and I will be forever grateful for this.”
She added, “St Richards care did not stop there… as a young teenager they provided me with regular counselling and support on and off until the age of 18. I can only thank the wonderful staff who kept me together as I know too well that I could have ended up on a different path in life. My dad, brother and I all received fantastic support from wonderful people and this challenge will only be a small drop in the ocean to help this charity compared to the fantastic work they do with families like mine. “
Miss Holmes said she is not a natural runner but is determined to finish the marathon for her ‘beautiful mum and for the wonderful charity that I owe so much to.”
To donate to Stephanie’s fund visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/StephHolmesMarathonForMum