The Myton Hospices were lucky enough to be given one free charity place in the Virgin Money London Marathon 2019 which takes place on Sunday 28th April. A ballot was held asking our amazing supporters to tell us why they should take on the 26.2 miles in aid of Myton.
Jules blew our Events Team away with her passion for Myton, her motivation for wanting to take part and her sights were set high as she pledged to raise an amazing £6,000! Since her fundraising began she has completely smashed her target and her total raised stands at over an incredible £11,000 with money still coming in!
Her fiancé Stuart’s parents were cared for by Myton in their last weeks and several friends have also experienced the wonderful work we do.
Julie candidly shares below what Myton means to her, and why she wanted to complete the London Marathon in aid of Myton:
I had never heard of The Myton Hospices, until I met my now Fiancé Stuart in 2011. His dad, Terry, had been cared for at Coventry Myton Hospice in 2010. Then in 2014, his mum, Margaret, received the devastating news that she had terminal lung cancer.
It was suggested she attend Day Hospice once a week at Rugby Myton Hospice. My initial thought – although I did not say it at the time – was fear that it would bring back bad memories and so would not have a positive impact on Margaret’s well-being. I have never been so wrong!
The night before her first day at Myton, Margaret was nervous but she was determined to give it a try. When I saw her the next evening I was shocked by how positive and happy she was – she had absolutely loved her first day at Myton.
Myton gave her direction, a purpose to live life to the full; it changed her life for the better. She enjoyed complementary therapies, being pampered by the hairdresser, but most of all she enjoyed chatting with other people in similar situations. And she absolutely adored the staff. Our Thursday nights and Friday shopping trips were filled with conversations about Myton. It was heart-warming to see the ‘glow’ she had gained. Myton gave her courage to face her battle with dignity.
In August 2016, Margaret’s health started to deteriorate and she was eventually admitted into Coventry Myton Hospice. I was anxious about her going into the hospice but was relieved to see how she was more at ease. She had the support she needed 24hrs a day and it gave us as a family a sense of relief.
We would come and go as we pleased, which helped both Stuart and his brother, Kevin, as they both work shifts. We all felt very welcome at Myton, and they couldn’t do enough for us. I even enjoyed Sunday lunch with Margaret at the hospice!
During Margaret’s final week I did not leave the hospice and the staff kindly let me use the relative’s accommodation to shower and sleep in. Margaret passed away on 30th September 2016 pain-free, and with dignity, even saying ‘goodbye’, before she was reunited with her loving husband Terry. The staff were amazing and gave Stuart and his brother all the help and guidance they needed.
It is for this reason that I will always support Myton and I am so proud to have been awarded the charity place to run in this year’s Virgin London Marathon. I am doing this for every single person who has been touched by the love, support and warmth of Myton.
Good luck to Julie and our London Marathon runners Ann Mosby and Rob O’Meara, from everyone at Myton! If you feel inspired by Julie's story why not see what other challenges are coming up this year here.
