“I will never stop raising funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice”

Hairdressing student and mum of six, Pippa, from Sleaford in Lincolnshire, said: “I’ve never done a sponsored cycle before, but I’ve just got a new bike and started training. In the summer I hope to do some big events in my local town, if coronavirus restrictions allow.”

“I’ve have taken part in fundraising, but never on a bike and I raised money mainly for cancer charities, as I had cancer last year age 29.

“Me and my dad rang the bell just 10 weeks apart, but a few weeks after I rang the bell dad found out his cancer had spread to his brain. He jumped straight into trialling treatments, but they didn’t work.

“When my dad was referred to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice he was wary of going to a hospice, but they made him feel safe.”

It was the care her dad received at the hospice which inspired Pippa to support the charity.

“Because of the pandemic we were only allowed to visit an hour a day, but the hospice staff were always there giving him so much love, care and support. 

“As I would visit my dad nearly every day, I took it all in. I looked at every poster and saw how much money it is to care for one person. I learned Sue Ryder only receives a small amount of government funding – they rely on donations.” 

“I wanted and needed to do something to help. The care given to my dad was out of this world, so I am raising money for a charity which really needs our donations.”

Pippa shares how the expert and compassionate palliative care given by staff helped her family.

“Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice is an absolute amazing place. They mean the world to me. The care given to my dad was literally outstanding. Not only did they keep him pain free, but they made him feel safe. He wasn’t just a patient to them – they would go in to see him just for a chit chat. The staff there care, as in really care!

“When my dad sadly passed away at the hospice, every staff member was outstanding. The support given to my family will never be forgotten, especially that given to my kid brother and sister. They got a beautiful memory box to treasure forever.

“When the day came one of the Sue Ryder Nurses was with me the whole entire day. She came in and she would listen. I asked questions as I just didn’t know what to expect. Another nurse came in and introduced herself, but minutes later dad’s time came.

“I will never forget the love and care from staff on that day. I never expected so much support from the staff then or even now! Thanks to them, my dad died with peace while keeping hold of his dignity.”  

Pippa hopes her fundraising will help keep her dad’s memory alive. She has set up a JustGiving page in his memory, where people can donate to support Sue Ryder's expert care, as well as an Incredible Memories Tribute Fund page, where you can see a photo gallery of Nigel, shared messages in remembrance and also help support Pippa's fundraising.

“My dad is my inspiration in doing all of this. I want to keep his memory alive. I really wish this wasn’t about him, but it is. We shared our cancer battle together, but unfortunately my dad didn’t make it with me.

“I don’t want to say cancer beat him, because it didn’t. Dad fought and fought until his last breath. I’m hoping he would be really proud of me. It’s hard doing my fundraising in his memory as it still feels raw and surreal, but at the same time, I’m honoured I have been able to raise so much in his memory.

“Fundraising for Sue Ryder really helps the grieving process, too. I will forever be grateful to them.”

“I hope the funds I raise will help someone receive the care and love my dad did. I hope to raise thousands and thousands for them. I will never stop!”

Find out more information on Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.