More than 80 people joined #teamJTH to take part in the Morrisons Great Birmingham Run in the name of John Taylor Hospice. And with every mile of the 13.1 route, each competitor knew they were supporting the work of the hospice providing specialist care in Birmingham.

Included in #teamJTH was Shirley Dauncey from Kingstanding who was running with her brother Rob Gorman, aged 45, and her 20-year-old nephew TJ. The family have a special place in their hearts for the hospice whose staff cared for their dad and granddad Gerry Gorman.

“When Dad got ill he was adamant that he wanted to stay at home,” said 47-year-old Shirley. “The Hospice at Home Team meant that this was possible.

“It was my brother who said we should do the run. We wanted to raise money for John Taylor Hospice to help make sure that other families are given the same opportunity that we were.”

Rob was inspired to take part in the Great Birmingham Run by stories from his dad’s childhood.

“Dad grew up in Ireland and would tell us stories of cross country running – it was real cross country back then over all sorts of terrain.

“This event seemed like a nice little nod to the stories Dad would tell us of back then,” Rob adds.

“About a year or so ago I didn’t really know what a hospice did - I don’t think you can till you experience the care and support they provide first hand.”

Also taking part was John Taylor Hospice patient Keisha Walker, aged 38. Keisha’s brother Ashley and sister Elexi took it in turns to push Keisha, who uses a wheelchair, round the 13-mile route.

“The atmosphere going around was great, the cheer point the hospice had really helps lift your spirits and helps you push on to the finish,” Ashley said.

It is the second year that the hospice, which has been at the heart of the Birmingham community since 1910, fielded a team in the event.

And 82 people rallied to the #teamJTH cause, joining more than 20,000 runners in the annual event through the city.

Hospice CEO Kate Phipps said each person taking part for the hospice is directly helping John Taylor’s staff and volunteers provide expert palliative and end of life care where and when it is needed.

“Every penny that is raised by our supporters is used directly for patient and family care,” she said. “Each person who put on their John Taylor Hospice running vest this morning to take part in the Great Birmingham Run did so confident that they are supporting a great cause and making a real difference here in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

“Every inch of the way, our runners turn pennies into pounds helping us to help local people. Their incredible dedication is what helps us to be sure ‘Taylor-made’ care can be offered to everyone who needs this at what can be a very difficult moment in time.”

Founded more than 100 years ago, John Taylor Hospice became an independent social enterprise in 2011. In 2015 the hospice can give support at home to local people in twice as many ways. Staff and patients develop new services that make a real difference in being able to live and die with dignity.

Kate added: “Everyone at John Taylor Hospice CIC is totally dedicated to making every moment matter. Our heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who took part in the Great Birmingham Run for us today – as they hang up their vest and rest their tired bodies, they rest assured that their effort is invested directly into ‘Taylor-made’ care.”

 

For more information on the hospice see www.johntaylorhospice.org.uk