Tom's story
Fundraising Stories
Throughout my childhood both my Nanni and Gramps, Brenda and Kenneth Worrall, were key influences in making me the person I am today. Whether it was giving me advice, making me laugh, or telling me the most fascinating stories about their lives, they were always integral to making me happy.
Unfortunately, in 2013/14, my amazing grandparents passed away, leaving me with a childhood full of memories and new found motivation to follow in their footsteps of living such interesting lives.
Last July I moved away from my hometown Rotherham to Leamington Spa on a work placement, leaving me unable to see my family and friends as often as usual which forced a need for me to find a new hobby. My Gramps always spoke of his running adventures, starting in his 50’s completing local events and eventually going on to complete the London marathon on multiple occasions.
It was his funny stories sat in their living room with my Gramps acting out adventures, making me and my Nanni laugh, that was a key influence in urging me to take up running as a hobby. It wasn’t before long that I became fixated on trying to follow in his footsteps and complete events locally at distances I could never have imagined.
His drive and determination has always inspired me as well as the belief and comfort provided by my Nanni. The pair of them always looked out for everyone they knew and would always be the first people to turn to if someone needed help. I think this is one of the reasons that they could connect with the Hospice so much, knowing that the staff there would always be doing the exact same thing, helping people who need it.
Furthermore, both of them had always been very fond of the work by Rotherham Hospice and it is a charity that was always very close to their hearts. They were always supporting the charity and promoting the work that they do for the local community.
Across my friends and family there are many people that have relied on the hard work from the people at Rotherham Hospice that have resulted in such a strong bonds with the charity. It is for my grandparents, for my family, for my closest friends, for the fantastic staff at the Hospice and everyone else supported by the charity in the past and those who will desperately need help in the future, that I am running the half marathon for.
So why not start in Sheffield with one of the toughest half marathons in the country, what could possibly go wrong?
My original target was £250, a target that I was convinced would be difficult to hit. As I write this, just two weeks after the page went live and with just under 2 months until the half marathon, I have £540 worth of donations + gift aid which is absolutely fantastic.
The support for the charity and the run has been indescribable. I know that it will have meant a lot to my grandparents and means an awful lot to the people around me to see my JustGiving page continue to grow in support so any donation would be greatly appreciated.
Hopefully, we can continue to raise more money for such a great cause close to so many hearts, I won’t let you down.
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