Family team runs for Treetops

A close family from South Derbyshire are tackling this month’s Robin Hood Half Marathon in memory of a much-loved member of their family in aid of Treetops Hospice.

‘Rocket’ Ron Holden died earlier this year with Treetops nurses helping care for him at home at the end of his life.

The ambassador‘s tasks are very varied and include: establishing new cultural, educational or commercial connections between the two cities, preparing for guest receptions

“Home was a place that dad cherished dearly,” said Ron’s son, Mark. “It was a place full of both happy and sad memories. A place of tears of joy and sadness, and all the other trials and tribulations that come with a family. But more over it was a place of overwhelming love and laughter.”

“The Treetops Hospice at Home nurses made it easier because it allowed us to get some rest at night time. We could then focus on caring in the daytime.

“It can be a bit of a rollercoaster with real ups and downs, but the Treetops nurses had the experience, and the time to talk to us.”

Mark will be accompanied on the Robin Hood Half Marathon on 24th September with grown-up children Ashley, Matthew and Haley, daughters-in-law Clare and Katie, and Haley’s fiancée Bradley.

Mark’s wife Paula and several other family members including Ron’s great-grand-children will be in the crowd encouraging them to the finish line.

Mark admits he’s not a keen runner and finds the thought of the half marathon rather daunting: “13 miles is a long way, isn’t it? I did a little bit of running when I was younger, but not much anymore. So, I’m looking forward to the end of the half marathon.

“For me, it’s more about the camaraderie of us all doing the race. We’ll all start together but I’m sure there’ll be some competition amongst us as to who’s going to finish first.

“Most of us taking part are keen sportspeople like dad. Dad always told us he had a trial for Derby County. That was his claim to fame. In his younger days he watched me play football and he watched all three of his grandchildren play.

“He was a man with a heart as big as an ocean and a gentle kindness. We’ve said often that we wouldn’t have had the same amount of time, quality time, with dad without the Treetops nurses. Dad and mum wanted him to be at home and Treetops were able to make that happen.”

The team are hoping to raise around £1,000 for the local hospice based in Risley.