This October, Alison Boxhall will be joining #TeamHospice as she takes on the Cardiff Half Marathon in memory of her beloved husband, Tony.
Alison and Tony started dating in 2005, having known each other as teenagers. They married in April 2021, however just a couple of months following the wedding, Tony was sadly diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, aged 49.
Later in October, Tony & Alison watched the Cardiff Half Marathon in Roath Park and inspired Tony to complete it the following year. Despite not being much of a runner Alison wanted to complete the marathon with her husband. As Tony was undergoing his treatment, a combination of a trial drug therapy alongside radiotherapy, Alison and Tony trained together a
nd completed the half marathon. Both Tony and Alison then took part in the following two years.
Alison told us,
“Tony fought his disease and adapted his lifestyle when he needed to over the years, our lives revolved around hospital appointments and treatments as well as sneaking in the odd holiday between visits. It sadly came to a point where his condition deteriorated and for the first time, he suffered from uncontrollable pain.
This is when we met with City Hospice. Our nurse Clare would visit and review his pain. Clare was a great support in making Tony comfortable and maintaining his quality of life.
Whilst Tony hated any medical visits, he was always grateful for the support from City Hospice. It also helped me as I knew when Clare would get involved it meant I didn’t have to battle to get prescriptions.
As his condition deteriorated, Clare instigated his admittance to the hospital in his final days, recognising how poorly he became, and got the ball rolling for him to be as comfortable as possible. The key for us was that support was given when we needed it. City Hospice did exactly that, we had very direct and honest conversations without being overbearing and in the comfort of our home. Tony sadly passed away on 13th March 2022, a week after his 59th birthday.
He inspired me in so many ways and it will be an honour to take part in his memory, I know he will be proud of me. When I train, I hear his words of encouragement to keep me motivated.
I will look forward to getting through this, on my own, but the route is fantastic and goes past our favourite places we used to visit together. I will also aim to complete it in my quickest time, which isn’t quick by any means. I hope to raise over £500 through friends, family and social media”.
Nicky Piper, City Hospice Corporate Partnerships Manager, said,
“Thank you so much to Alison for running the Cardiff Half Marathon in aid of City Hospice, your story is truly inspiring. We wish you all the best in your training and we’ll be there, cheering you on in October.”
If you would like to support Alison visit her JG page here
Would you like to run the Cardiff Half Marathon and join #TeamHospice? Learn more here
