Runner Michelle Jones completed the Gloucester 10K on Sunday 26 June in memory of her mother-in-law Hazel, raising more than £400 for Longfield Community Hospice.
Hazel, affectionately known by family and friends as Nanny Jones, was looked after by Longfield’s Hospice at Home team in the last three days of her life. Longfield’s care enabled her to die peacefully at home, in familiar surroundings, with her family by her side.
Michelle, a leader of Cheltenham Running Ladies explained: “I’ve been running for nine years now. I don’t do many fundraising events, but Longfield Hospice gave my mother-in-law such amazing care, and I just wanted to raise some money and give something back. Longfield’s carers treated my mum-in-law with such dignity, respect and compassion.”
Hazel, who was 87, was admitted to hospital in December last year following a fall. Michelle explained how the Longfield carers immediately built up Hazel’s trust: “The carers were just amazing. They just had that touch. They knew how to talk to her. My husband and I, and the whole family, were so relieved to have that practical help and support. They didn’t just look after Mum – they made sure that we were ok too.”
Michelle, one of seven runners fundraising for Longfield, was joined in Gloucester on the day by her daughter, Amy.
Longfield supports people in Gloucestershire with a life-limiting illness, from diagnosis onwards. As well as providing Hospice at Home care, Longfield also offers help and support to patients, families and carers through a range of Wellbeing services at the hospice in Minchinhampton.
Any further donations can be made by visiting Michelle’s JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michelle-jones175
