A Worcester man is taking on a marathon challenge to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice in memory his girlfriend.
Adrian Norsworthy, 40, from Worcester, plans to run 13 marathons next year in a bid to raise as much money as possible in memory of his girlfriend Sarah Veall.
Sarah, a journalist from Worcester, was diagnosed with spinal cancer and died in June of this year, aged 39.
Mr Norsworthy said: “Sarah had cancer as a teenager and it came back. She was in a wheelchair before I met her, but she was always so positive about it, she didn’t let it hold her back.
“I decided that in Sarah’s memory I wanted to raise some money for the hospice to thank them for the support and care they offered Sarah, myself and her family and also that they offer to many others.”
He added, “Although we were only together a short time, Sarah and I were soul mates and losing her has been the hardest thing I have ever had to cope with in my life. To me Sarah was that once in a lifetime person who comes along and just completes you and makes you so happy. Words can’t describe how happy I felt when we were together, she was my world and I miss her so much each and every day.
“St Richard’s were superb to Sarah in the help and support they gave during her fight against the cancer, and since her death they have been incredible in the level of support offered towards myself as well.”
Sarah was supported members of the St Richard’s team including a Nurse Specialist, a benefits adviser, complementary therapist and counsellor.
Mr Norsworthy explained, “Sarah was always so grateful for all the hospice offered her: had she beaten the cancer she was going to come and volunteer for the hospice as she wanted to give something back for everything they gave her.”
Mr Norsworthy, who is a branch manager for SIG, has run two marathons before, in 2010 and 2013. He starts his epic 2015 challenge with a marathon on the Isle of Anglesey in January. He has marathons lined up in February in the New Forest, for March in Telford, April in both Worcester and Llanelli, May in Milton Keynes and for June in Liverpool.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s not easy, especially now its dark, but most weekends I do 20-22 miles. I may do more than 13; we’ll see how the second half of the year goes. I like the sound of 15 in 2015.
“I know that Sarah would think I’m bonkers but would also be very proud of what I’m doing for the hospice in her memory, and the level of support and encouragement from my family and Sarah’s and also our friends has been great.”
Mr Norsworthy has already topped his fundraising target of £2,000, and is hoping to raise even more next year. To donate please go online to
https://www.justgiving.com/Sarah-Veall-Forget-Me-Not-Fund/
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,500 patients and family members in Worcestershire.
Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 17-bed In-patient Unit or in their own homes by a specialist professional team as well as many trained volunteers.
In the In-patient Unit, specialist staff are on hand 24 hours a day to manage patients’ symptoms and where, if appropriate, patients may spend the last few days of life in comfort and dignity. St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it to continue its work.