Lily's story

Find out why Lily turned her lockdown jog into a run in memory of her grandparents as she takes on the Royal Parks Half Marathon.

"The thing I’m most grateful for in my life is my family and I believe Royal Trinity Hospice helped us grow a lot closer, even though we were going through a very difficult time. My grandma, Avozinha, was diagnosed with cancer and spent her last few days at Trinity in 2007. Having been at the hospital with her in previous weeks, Trinity was so different in comparison. Everyone was so friendly and caring. Avozinha was allowed to eat and drink whatever she liked, and we were even allowed to bring our dog Daisy in for a quick goodbye cuddle.

"Several years later in 2014, my granddad, Vovo, fell ill and he was also moved to Trinity. It was hard going back there, to relive the memories of being there with Avozinha. But it was also so comforting, knowing that Vovo was in good hands and that he’d be looked after until the very end.

"Our family spent a lot of time at Trinity. The staff always made us feel welcome and I remember once being asked if I’d like anything to eat. “You can have any chocolate bar you want” – I remember this being so exciting. For a brief moment, I’d forget where I was.

“Walking around the peaceful gardens or just watching TV - the place is so beautiful and not always filled with sadness like how you’d imagine a hospice to be.”

"My family are always fundraising for Trinity. We’ve had plenty of fun and exciting fundraising events which is a wonderful way to remember Avozinha and Vovo, but I’ve never really fundraised individually.

"I started running at the beginning of the first lockdown and basically haven’t stopped. I thought it’d be nice to set a goal and a half marathon seemed like the perfect challenge. I was a bit nervous at first as I’ve never run further than 5km, but when I thought about running for Trinity, all that nervousness disappeared. Every time I’m out on a run now, I think of my Avozinha and Vovo – it makes me run a little faster knowing that they’re with me every step of the way.

“Although I miss them a lot and think about them almost every day, I always smile when I think of all the happy memories we shared together. My grandparents deserved all the love and care in the world, and Trinity helped give that to them in their final days. Royal Trinity Hospice has a very special place in my heart so any donation, big or small, would mean the world to me.”

Donate to Lily's fundraiser

Fundraise for Trinity

Royal Parks Half Marathon Trinity Challenge events Fundraise at home

Please select a donation amount (required)

£50 Will help us provide face to face, video and phone bereavement support

£75 Will help us provide specialist physiotherapy and palliative rehabilitation to support people's mobility and independence

£150 Will help ensure our specialist nurses have the equipment and supplies they need when visiting patients living in their own homes

Other

Set up a regular payment Donate