Sharon Rogers – Cardiff Half Marathon Challenge in Memory of Her Father
Sharon Rogers is preparing to take on the incredible challenge of running the Cardiff Half Marathon, in memory of her father and to raise vital funds for City Hospice.
Sharon openly admits she’s “never been a runner,” but decided to take up running three years ago. Sadly, this coincided with her dad being diagnosed with liver cancer.
“As he deteriorated, I had less time to go running,” Sharon shares. “In true Dad style, he pointedly asked me if I’d ‘retired from running’. I promised him I’d start again. As he approached the end, he had fantastic care from City Hospice.”
City Hospice provided Sharon’s father with specialist palliative care, enabling him to stay at home, surrounded by loved ones during his final days.
“Thanks to City Hospice, Dad was able to stay at home, which is what he wanted. They made such a heartbreaking time more bearable, and I’ll always be grateful to them.”
After losing her father, Sharon struggled with grief. Earlier this year, she made the brave decision to start the Couch to 5K programme again, with the ambitious goal of completing a half marathon in his memory.
“It’s probably a bit nuts given how unfit I am, but I’m determined to do it. I made Dad a promise, and this is me keeping it.”
Now well into her training, Sharon is building her endurance and raising as much money as she can for City Hospice—the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in Cardiff.
“Please donate if you can, it’ll spur me on when the going gets tough. I’m doing this for you, Dad.”
Katie Vaughan, Senior Community Fundraiser at City Hospice, said:
“Sharon’s story is so touching. Taking on a half marathon is incredibly brave and shows just how much love and determination she has to honour her dad’s memory. We’re honoured she’s chosen to support City Hospice, and we’ll be cheering her on every step of the way!”
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City Hospice needs to raise over £3 million each year to provide our services free of charge. The funds raised by incredible individuals like Caroline & Essex who ensure we can continue to care for patients and their families during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
