Hospice
Fundraising
Anne Foreman wasn’t planning on taking part in the 2023 Great North Run. A seasoned runner with several half marathons and running challenges under her belt, and with the Malaga half marathon coming up in October, Anne was giving this year’s a miss.
Anne said, “I’ve done the Great North Run quite a few times, and it doesn’t get any easier as the years go by. I didn’t bother to enter the ballot and I thought that was that. Until the ballot was drawn, of course, and I saw everyone getting places and all the excitement and wished I was part of it!”
It was back in 2020 when Anne and her family connected with St Oswald’s Hospice, following their sister Helen’s diagnosis. Looking after Helen at home had become more of a struggle as her condition progressed.
“It was during the lockdown period that Helen came to stay at the hospice, and from the minute she arrived, they were absolutely brilliant. The care was next level and it gave us such peace of mind to know and feel that Helen was in a safe place, being looked after so well, as we just couldn’t give her what she needed at home anymore.”
Helen spent 18 days at St Oswald’s Hospice and during that time, was able to enjoy being pampered in the spa-like bath, helping her to relax and feel comfortable.
Her family including Helen’s husband, 3 children and even their beloved pet dog were able to come and spend time with her, and Anne says that the whole family felt welcomed and supported.
Anne explained, “We’re a big family with 5 siblings altogether and our own families, too, and the staff at St Oswald’s looked after all of us, anticipating our needs, helping us to understand and to cope with what was happening. Even after Helen died, the little care packages and support the hospice gave us was wonderful.”
And so, in the spring time, Anne found herself signing up for the Great North Run with one of St Oswald’s charity places, raising money to help others facing their own difficult situation.
When describing Helen, Anne said, “My gorgeous sister Helen was a lovely mum and wife to Richard, and a great friend to many. She was kind and gentle, supportive and had a good sense of humour too. She loved running, especially along the coast, and we used to run together.”
With less than a week to go, the traditional bottle of Prosecco is already in the fridge ready to be enjoyed in celebration of completing another Great North Run.
Anne added, “I’m chuffed to be running for the Hospice again and over the moon to have received so much support from those around me. The generosity of people is really testament to just how loved Helen truly was.”
We wish Anne, and all of our Great North Runners, all the very best as they take on this year’s half-marathon.
Thank you for helping to keep our doors open for all who need us across the North East.
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