Ellie-Mae completes marathon in memory of grandparents
Stepping Up for St Catherine’s, Ellie-Mae Groves, 10, recently completed a marathon at home to raise money for our hospice, in memory of her Nanny and Grandad.
During the lockdown, Ellie-Mae asked her Mum, Anne-Marie, if patients at our hospice were still getting the same care and support her grandparents both received.
Anne-Marie was meant to be running this year’s London Marathon and explained to her daughter that everyone was still being well cared for by our hospice, but that many of our fundraising events were being cancelled to keep people safe.
Ellie-Mae knew this would have a significant impact on the money we rely on, so she decided to walk a marathon (26.2 miles) at home to raise money.
Ellie-Mae said, “I miss my Nanny and Grandad every day. They were always smiling, and they died within a few weeks of each other. St Catherine’s looked after both of them in the hospice and at their beautiful home. Whenever the hospice nurses visited Nanny and Grandad at home they always gave me a hug too. My Mummy and her friend looked after Nanny and Grandad while they were at home and the hospice nurses helped Mummy lots too.
Since Nanny and Grandad passed away, I’ve been very sad and I’ve struggled with anxiety and feeling low. My teacher has helped me and I have a lovely doctor who I talk to now. This horrible virus has made me very scared but I wanted to do something good for St Catherine’s whilst having my daily walk. I thought if Captain Moore could do something to raise money I could too!
I walked a marathon at home and did most of it wearing my Mummy’s St Catherine’s T-shirt and hoodie. I’ve raised £288, and I know Nanny and Granddad would be really proud of me.”
Arron Trott, our Events Fundraiser said, “When we heard about Ellie-Mae’s marathon we were really impressed that she was taking on such an incredible challenge. A marathon isn’t easy, but she’s done amazingly well, and we’re very grateful for her support. Now more than ever, we need the help of local people in our community to make sure we can continue to be there for people facing the end of their lives. Ellie-Mae’s efforts will mean we can care for other grandparents and families, like we did hers, in the future.”
To support Ellie-Mae with her marathon achievement please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/my-2-6-challenge-fde0429c-dbdb-43b4-a85f-6903459f694b
To Step Up like Ellie Mae and find out how you can take on your own Step Up challenge for St Catherine’s please click here.