Team Ohana’s Great North Run in memory of Lizzie

“Ohana means family – family means no-one gets left behind or forgotten.”

Lizzie’s husband Gordon said, “This wasn’t just a saying for us. It was – and still is – our family motto. A promise we lived by. And no one embodied it more beautifully than our wonderful Lizzie – the most devoted mummy, the most loving wife, and the truest of friends.”

Team Ohana is a group of 7 friends, plus Gordon, who are taking on the Great North Run to raise funds for St Oswald’s Hospice, where Lizzie, aged 45, spent the final six weeks of her life.  

The group first met in the early days of starting their families and became firm friends over the years whilst raising their children.  

Lizzie (second from right) with her group of friends

Lizzie was full of life.

She lit up every room and put kindness and compassion above all else, helping to make people feel seen and heard.  

Gordon shared, “Cancer tried to diminish so much of who Lizzie was. Over years of treatment and hospital stays, the quiet, cruel side of her condition slowly started to pull her away from the world she loved. Away from her boys, her friends and herself. 

“But then something extraordinary happened.” 

In the Autumn of 2024, Lizzie came to stay at St Oswald’s Hospice where her family and friends saw a huge transformation.  

Gordon reflected, “When Lizzie moved into the care of St Oswald’s, they didn’t just see a patient. They saw her. They asked her what she wanted. They listened. They gave her choices. They gave her dignity. They gave her back her voice.” 

Lizzie Wake

During that time, Lizzie became more like herself again.

Her smile returned and during those precious days together, the family were able to live their motto again: no-one left behind, no-one forgotten. 

Stephanie, Lizzie’s friend, said, “Lizzie was so full of community spirit and kindness, and had a lasting impact on everyone who met her. St Oswald’s Hospice created space for Lizzie to make precious memories with her family and provided lasting support for those closest to her.” 

Gordon added, “We will never be able to thank St Oswald’s enough for what they gave us. No words could ever match our gratitude. But what we can do is help them to keep performing these quiet miracles for other families and help love to speak louder than loss.” 

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