My Story

in April I'm running the London Marathon in support of KEECH HOSPICE.

Keech Hospice offers specialist end of life care for Children & Adults and are in urgent need of funds since the pandemic.The reason why I have decided to do this is because of the amazing care and support Keech give.

This is something I have experienced first-hand; 3 of the closest people in my life have all received care and support from Keech. My Nanny, my Nana and then my Grandad, were all cared for by Keech – if it wasn’t for the hospice, my story would be very different.

I was really young the first time I experienced Keech and didn’t really understand the whole thing about hospice or palliative care. I just remember going to see my Nanny at the hospice, along with other close family members; my cousins and we all sat in the beautiful garden at Keech and had a picnic – this was the last time we saw our Nanny…

My mum has since said that when my Nanny went to Keech for end of life care, they could finally be mum and daughter again rather than my mum having to worry about every aspect of her care. She really was a special person, who would do anything for anyone and was the life and soul of the party!

We then found the support of Keech again with my Nana, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. This time it was slightly different as she was supported by the Keech service at home. Nurses came out to visit Nana, and she found great reassurance in this, along with my Auntie Gill who helped to look after her. Being a nurse in her younger days, my Nana loved to care for people, but this was her turn to be cared for. She was always such an energetic person who was a real character, if you met her, you would never forget her.

Sadly, 6 months later our family were supported by Keech again. This time, for my Grandad. Being older and understanding a lot more, I really appreciated the support my mum and my uncle Robert were given and the instant relief as soon Grandad went to Keech. I loved his stories about growing up in Ireland and his wonderful sense of humour. He passed away with his favourite music playing and had my Mum and Uncle Robert by his side.

I feel this is now my time to pay Keech back and say thanks for the care and support they have given my family. Throughout these dark days, they were there for all of us and continue to do so for families just like ours.

£37 could pay for 1hr of nursing care at Keech hospice. Keech only receive 5% from government funding so really rely on people to support and raise money to continue the service they provide.By sponsoring me you will really be helping the people and families that are supported by Keech. Keech isn’t just a place people go to die… it is so much more than that. It costs around £6m a year for Keech hospice to care and support adults and children, and also their families during their dark days.

BUT WAIT SEAN? I thought you were a swimmer? if you followed me pre pandemic you would remember that I was one of the fastest medium lane swimmers in all Swiss Cottage, So making the swap to land has been quite a challange.

The London Marathon is basically glorified torture. I have been training for a few months, I'm enduring more pain than I have ever experience still have a long weay to go. For those who know me well, think I’m really confident and bubbly, but this really isn’t the case. I want to push myself and prove to myself that I can do this. Your support would mean the world to me and would really help me along this journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your support.

JUST KEEP RUNNING