Dear editor,
We’re encouraging the local community to take on Sue Ryder’s December Daily Dash, a fundraising event my husband and I created in memory of my dad, and in gratitude to the incredible Sue Ryder Nurses who cared for him in his final days.
We lost my dad to cancer in 2015, just 18 months after we lost my mum to the same illness. During this difficult time, the Sue Ryder team went above and beyond, from bringing him a comforting hot chocolate before bed to ensuring he felt dignified and cared for in every moment.
Their care made an unbearable time just that little bit more manageable, and we wanted to give something back. That’s how the December Daily Dash was born.
The challenge is simple: either walk, jog or run 1k, 3k or 5k every day throughout December.
It’s a chance to take time for yourself and boost your wellbeing. Plus, the money you raise will provide nursing care for people with a terminal illness, just like my dad, and also provide free bereavement support for people this Christmas.
Read: New lease of life for hospice mascot thanks to Bedford company and local volunteer
What began with just the two of us and 11 friends has grown into a community of over 3,800 ‘Dashers’. Over the past ten years, ‘Dashers’ have covered thousands of kilometres and raised over £650,000 to support Sue Ryder’s work at hospices like St John’s in Moggerhanger.
This year, we’d love even more people to join us. Whether you dash outdoors or on a treadmill, solo or with friends, family or your dog, you’ll be part of a community making sure no one has to face death or grief alone this Christmas.
To sign up for free, visit decemberdailydash.com.
On behalf of Sue Ryder and us, thank you.
Jackie and Mark Smith
Founders of the December Daily Dash and Sue Ryder fundraisers
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