A local woman has completed a virtual 20km in 2020 running challenge to help the care, support and compassion provided to local people at Eden Valley Hospice.
Inspired by the care her Dad, David Jackson, received at the local hospice, Amanda Lowis embarked on a 20km running challenge to raise vital income for the local charity. Amanda’s fundraising will help adults with life limiting illnesses to access the care and support provided at Eden Valley Hospice.
Amanda, 43 from Carlisle, explained: “In July my Dad was admitted to Eden Valley Hospice for some help and support with his cancer treatment. Although it was in the height of the pandemic they were very supportive and made it possible for my Mum to visit him each day. My sister and I were also able to visit him on occasions too.
“As time passed, Dad’s cancer progressed rapidly and it became apparent that he would spend his last days under the amazing care of the hospice. After visiting the hospice and seeing first hand what fantastic work all the staff do I felt that I wanted to give something back and my Dad also wanted to do some kind of fundraising.
“I looked through the hospice’s website and came across the 20km in 2020 challenge. I thought that’s great I can spread it out into small runs, however my husband had other thoughts and challenged me to complete my first ever 10km run. On completing the run he signed me up to another 10km which saw me run from Carlisle to Gretna. The whole time I was running I was inspired by my Dad’s outlook on life and how positive he was in such a sad time for us all as a family.”
Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw’s 20km in 2020 Virtual Run is the perfect event for people looking to challenge themselves and support the local charity. Whether people complete the distance in one day, one month or one year, people can make a difference in 2020. The best part about the Virtual Run is they can choose the timescale and pace to complete the challenge.
Over recent months virtual events have been popular with people looking to set themselves a personal challenge. Whether running, cycling or walking people have been able to choose their own distance, route and date whilst taking part in their chosen event.
Amanda continued, “Dad was the strength in our family and the one who would push us to believe in ourselves and what we are capable of. I am so proud that I was able to complete this challenge before he passed.
“I will always remember the care that my Dad, and us as a family, received from all the staff at the hospice with great fondness. They treated my Dad with dignity and respect and supported my mum, sister and myself every step of the way.
“Dad was at peace when he left us and that was mainly down to the hospice and being able to be with us when he needed us the most.”
The kindness and generosity of Amanda’s family, friends and work colleagues has helped her to raise over £400 for Eden Valley Hospice. The money raised from Amanda’s 20km in 2020 challenge will help the hospice to provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to local people with life limiting illnesses. If you would like to support Amanda’s fundraising, you can make a donation online via her JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amanda-lowis.
Amanda concluded: “The hospice is a much needed lifeline for the community and relies on the generosity of the wider community to fund the care the patients need. I couldn’t think of a more deserved charity to raise money for and I will continue to in memory of my amazing Dad.”
As key workers, both the clinical and support staff teams at Eden Valley Hospice are here for the local community. The hospice is open and doing all it can during these times to continue to provide care and compassion to those in need, whilst following strict guidelines. The hospice is here for the local community and still supporting the NHS.
If you would like to host your own fundraising event in aid of Eden Valley Hospice please visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org, email [email protected] or contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 810801.
