A woman from West Berkshire has challenged herself to completing seven fundraising events in 2024 in memory of her mum, who would have celebrated her 70th birthday this year.
Nikki Douglas, 45, decided she wanted to give back after nurses at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading looked after her mum, Pauline, in her final days in 2018.
Speaking about her experience, Nikki said: “From the point my mum found out she had cancer it all happened really quickly. Sue Ryder Nurses visited my dad and arranged for mum to have a hospital bed in their house. From the start, the nurses were really helpful and did everything they could to make her more comfortable.
“Eventually my dad couldn’t manage at home anymore and so she moved into Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice. It immediately took the pressure off; I knew mum was being well looked after and my dad could concentrate on being with mum rather than being her carer. When she died, there was no rush for us to leave, everyone was so thoughtful and kind at every step.
“I know so many people with stories similar to mine whose lives have been touched by the hospice, and so fundraising for me is a way of trying to cope and to make something positive out of what has happened.”
Nikki set her sights on completing seven fundraising events during the year for her mum’s 70th birthday, with a target to raise £700, which will be split between Sue Ryder and Cancer Research UK.
Nikki continued: “I have done a lot of fundraising over the years but decided this year I would do something special for my mum’s 70th, I want to raise as much as I can. So far I have completed Reading Half, held a coffee morning, a sweepstake and a raffle, and this month I abseiled down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower! I can honestly say that was more physically draining than the half marathon!
“I have completed five out of my seven events so far, and I have my biggest event later on in the year which will be walking a marathon.
“I am pleased to say that I have already exceeded the amount I wanted to raise. My motivation has been knowing that the money that I am raising is enabling another family to experience the support and care my family and I were able to receive from Sue Ryder.
“The service they provide isn’t fully funded by the government, so much is reliant on fundraising and it is really important hospices are supported to remain open. They are a home from home for many people when you are having to deal with difficult situations that change so quickly.
“I had hardly got my head around diagnosis before saying goodbye to my mum. Sue Ryder made a really hard time so much easier, so I am delighted to be able to give back.”
If you would like to donate to Nikki’s fundraising challenges, visit www.justgiving.com/page/nikki-douglas-7for70for700
