My Story

I've been working for St Elizabeth Hospice for over 15 years, including more recently developing Zest, a much needed hospice service for young adults, 14 years and upwards living with incurable, life limiting conditions. Before we developed Zest there was no dedicated palliative care service in Suffolk for young people who had survived beyond the upper age limit of our local children's hospice. I met families facing the daunting prospect of losing vital support right at a time when they often needed it most having outlived their life expectancy from a child hood condition (EG muscular dystrophy, complex cerebral palsy). There are also young people who are diagnosed with a new condition in early adulthood EG cancer, that need a model of hospice care that can meet their needs. Zest is here for them too. You can find out more about some of the awesome young people I have the privilege of working with here: https://www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/zest/zest-patient-stories/

Zest provides palliative care support for young people to help them manage their conditions to maximise quality of life, and help families live life to the full. We run social groups for young adults, family drop ins and a parent support group. We provide Zest days and short break weekends for young adults to come to the hospice together (where we have A LOT of fun!) whilst their families receive vital respite. The complex care needs of the young adults require intensive nursing care support. This comes at a cost, and Zest relies on charitable funding to make our service possible..

I am incredibly fortunate to have a job that I love, and one I would still want to do even if i won the lottery tomorrow! I have met the most inspiring young adults and their families, who motivate me everyday to ensure our service is always there for them.

I've always dabbled in running, and up until I ran the Great East Run (half marathon) a few years ago the London Marathon was firmly on my bucket list. I found the half marathon extremely challenging so promptly took the London Marathon off my list! However, this year a space came up to run for the hospice Zest service and some mad part of me jumped at the chance!   It's a last minute space which means I have had to cram in the training in the heat of this hot summer, which is making this even more of a mad challenge!!

When I see what Zest families have to overcome and cope with everyday I give myself a talking to and it really helps me to face up to this marathon challenge.  I know that along the way the memories of the Zest young people that are no longer with us and the inspriation of all Zest families will spur me on to do this. If you are able to support me reaching my fundraising target I would be hugely encouraged and grateful! Helen x