A Milton Keynes man braved the wet and windy weather in January as he ran 5k every day in memory of his father.
Michael Lemon, 50, managed to also raise £1,343 for the Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger, Bedfordshire, and he hopes more can be donated to the hospice.
The director of sport at Akeley Wood Junior School clocked up an impressive 155k (nearly 100 miles), in honour of his father, Roy, who was cared for at home by the Palliative Care Hub team in his final few weeks in July 2020.
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Michel said: “Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice means the world – the care they gave to not only dad but my family has been second to none.
“In the last couple of weeks of dad’s life, the Sue Ryder staff were complete stars.
“They gave so much care.
“They were professional, caring, honest and supportive.
“All of the staff gave a really personal touch to my family.
“It was outstanding.”
Come rain or shine – or snow – Michael Lemon stepped out every day for a month to run in memory of his dad. Michael raised funds for Sue Ryder St John's Hospice.
Despite being an experienced runner and having previously competed in the London Marathon in 2013, Michael had knee surgery three years ago, and therefore described his fundraiser as 'challenging'.
However, with the support from his friends and family, the 50-year-old has managed to exceed his target of £250, by raising for than £1,000 for the hospice.
He continued: “I’ve had lots of support and many a kind word.
“If someone is thinking about doing something similar and taking on a challenge I would say go for it – don’t give up.
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“I’ve been so proud of what I have done for Sue Ryder and my dad.
“I know he would have supported me all the way through.
“He was a great man, very well respected.
“We spent so many good times together.
“I suppose you could say he was my hero.”
Lucy Owens, community fundraising officer at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “We are really grateful to Michael for pulling on his Sue Ryder vest and running every day throughout January to raise funds.
“We are very impressed with his determination to run every day, even in freezing cold snow.
A screenshot from Michael's JustGiving page
“We support patients and their loved ones through the most difficult times of their lives.
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“The money Michael has raised will help us to be there when it matters for other families and continue to provide our compassionate palliative care – thank you.”
The team provides palliative support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to people who have a life-limiting condition and prefer to receive care at home.
You can support Michael through JustGiving at https://justgiving.com/fundraising/MickyLem50.
You can find out more about Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice at www.sueryder.org/stjohns.
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