In April, Brenna is running her first half marathon to raise money for The Myton Hospices in memory of her Nana, Johannah, and Dad, Aidan. Whilst Brenna and her family haven’t personally experienced Myton’s services, her efforts will help us continue to care for people living with life-limiting illnesses, and their families, across Coventry and Warwickshire.

In June 2024, Brenna’s grandma Johannah, known as Nana, suffered a stroke at her home. Johanna was cared for by her family alongside professional carers. Brenna said:

We had such a positive experience caring for Nana. None of us had experienced palliative and end of life care before and didn’t know what to expect, but for such a difficult time for the family, we all got so much out of being involved and there for her during her last few days. It was the nicest way to spend her last week.

Johannah died at home, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, just one week after her stroke.

A few years prior to Johannah’s stroke, her son and Brenna’s dad, Aidan, was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD, and his health rapidly deteriorated after the death of his mum.

During a stay in hospital, the palliative care nurses referred Aidan to our Fatigue and Breathlessness programme, however, he was later discharged from hospital in September 2024 for palliative and end of life care. Brenna, alongside Aidan’s family and friends, cared for Aidan once he came home from hospital. Brenna continued:

When he returned home, he was the best he had been for such a long time. As they were managing his symptoms, he was no longer in pain and was his old self again. It was beautiful to see.

Alongside the palliative care nurses, Brenna contacted The Myton Hospices to see if a bed at Myton was available for Aidan. Unfortunately, Aidan died before he could come to Myton, one week after arriving home from hospital and three months after his mum died. Brenna added:

Dad’s journey was so similar to Nana’s. They were both cared for by family and died seven days later. It was rather poetic. Whilst it was tough, it was a positive palliative care experience once again and having Dad feel so well given the circumstances gave him back his dignity which he had started to lose.

It was a lot to process, but as a family we are so grateful to have had the experiences we did with Dad and Nana. We completely appreciate that others are not as lucky, with their loved ones in pain and alone at the end of their lives. It gives us a great sense of relief and comfort that it happened in the best possible way.

In memory of her Dad and Nana, Brenna is taking part in this year’s Coventry Half Marathon to raise vital funds for The Myton Hospices. Brenna said:

I’ve done a few races for charity but nothing close to a half marathon! I got back into running whilst caring for Nana and Dad, as a way of looking after my physical and mental health. I witnessed my dad being unwell for many years, and whilst I have my fitness, I need to give it a go. It’s now or never.

Brenna is hoping to raise £1,000 for The Myton Hospices, organising countless fundraising activities, including bake sales and quizzes at her work, and a ‘Fizz Night’ of prosecco and sparkling wine tasting with family and friends. Brenna added:

Whilst my loved ones weren’t cared for by Myton, the charity has always been on my radar. We didn’t know the ins and outs of hospices and palliative care until we had our own experiences. But when we were looking at Dad’s options, we saw the amazing work they do at Myton.

Sadly, we couldn’t benefit from their amazing work, but it made me realise how important it is that everyone has the opportunity to access the care and support they need.

Support Brenna’s fundraising HERE!

Everyone at Myton would like to thank Brenna for her wonderful support! Thanks to amazing people in our community, like Brenna, we can be there for more people when they need us the most, now and in the future.

Are you are interested in taking part in the Coventry Half Marathon?

The Myton Hospices have a limited number of FREE places for this year’s Coventry Half Marathon! Why not join #TeamMyton to take on this much-loved event.

Find out more HERE!