In her final days, the quality of care Mary Slade received at Bolton Hospice was a comfort to her and her family. Now her two sons are to repay the staff by making a 50-mile trek to raise money for the centre.
Mary Slade died at Bolton Hospice on 15 May 2022 aged 75 after suffering from cancer. Her sons, John and Joe Slade, will be setting off from John’s home in Sheffield on Saturday May 6 to raise funds in her memory.
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They will walk through the Peak District and reach the hospice in Queens Park Road on the Bank Holiday Monday two days later. Joe, 44, from Bury, said: “Our mum’s final days were spent at the hospice. The staff and the volunteers were all marvellous. They looked after her, kept her comfortable and made sure mum reached the end of life peacefully and with dignity.”
The communications officer, who works in Trafford, added: “We wanted to do something this May to remember mum but also to raise money for the hospice.”
John, 48, a schoolteacher, added: “Any money we raise will go straight to the hospice to spend on the people they look after. We want to do our bit so other families in our situation know their loved ones can be cared for with compassion.”
The brothers' route will begin with a long climb as they head into the Peaks, before dropping down to Manchester. They will then walk to the hospice via Little Lever where their mum lived.
John said: “I did the Manchester Marathon so I should still be pretty fit from training for it. I’m not sure about my brother though. He might have to walk a few more miles and drink a few less pints.”
A spokesperson for the hospice said: “On behalf of everyone at Bolton Hospice I’d like to extend a huge thank you to John and Joe for choosing to support the hospice by undertaking this challenge.
“As a local independent charity, government funding only covers a fraction of our costs and it’s only thanks to generous supporters like these two that enable us to continue providing free specialist care and support to families in Bolton when they need it most – thank you for your kind support."
To sponsor the brothers, click here.
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