Haven's Hospice need you!

March 4, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

There is still a chance to join the Prudential RideLondon this summer and raise vital funds for local charity

Havens Hospices, which includes Fair Havens Hospice, Little Havens Hospice and The J’s Hospice, are looking for cyclists to join them for the 100-mile ride on Saturday 4^th August

The world’s greatest festival of cycling takes in parts of the Olympic road race tour over its 100-mile route, starting from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London, then travelling right through to the beautiful country roads and hills of Surrey and finishing along The Mall in central London.  

Now in its seventh year, the event is expected to attract 25,000 amateur cyclists, many of whom will be raising money for good causes. Riders allocated a Havens Hospice Charity Place will have to pay a registration fee of £30 and there is a minimum requested sponsorship of £350.

This money will help Havens Hospices continue ‘Making every day count’ for the children, young people and adults with life-limiting illnesses and their families they care for from across Essex; like Mary and her family who were supported by Fair Havens Hospice.

Mary, 54, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in April 2010. By then it had already spread to her liver and bones and she was given 12 months to live. In June 2012 she was admitted to Fair Havens Hospice where she died on 9^th July 2012. 

Mary was a Deputy Ward Sister at Southend Hospital and had worked with a number of nurses who eventually went on to work at Fair Havens Hospice

Hannah, Mary’s daughter, says, “The Care Team at Fair Havens always explained really clearly to us about Mum’s condition, her medication and what to expect. 

“Everything was focused on dignity and comfort – this was the most important thing to us. We were involved in every decision. Her pain was dealt with quickly and this was so important – we never wanted Mum to suffer. 

“Even after she died, they let us spend time with Mum and to help get her ready. We were told we could choose a flower from those on display downstairs. We chose a lily which was her favourite flower and placed it next to her. It was those touches, those thoughtful gestures that we remember and cherish.” 

Applications for a Havens Hospices Charity Place must arrive by Friday 8^th March, and cyclists will be informed by Wednesday 15^th March if they have been allocated a space. 

e-mail ehamilton@havenshospices.org or call 01702 220308.