31st July 2018

    Alex takes on Thanet 5k Colour Run in memory of inspirational nan

    Alex Potter (27) from Sandwich Bay experienced Pilgrims Hospices care first-hand when his nan, Elaine Elsie Potter (née Cosier), was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury in 1995, aged 56. Here, Alex shares how Pilgrims helped Elaine to cope with her diagnosis in a positive way, supporting her to live well in every moment. Alex will take on the Thanet 5k Colour Run on 21 October 2018 in Palm Bay, Cliftonville, in memory of Elaine and to raise vital awareness and funds for local hospice care.


    My nan was a wonderful, inspirational woman, first and foremost as a mother to my father and his siblings; she had eight children in total, five boys and three girls. She was a housewife and Mother Goose of the clan, watching over her kids and their respective grandchildren like they were her own. My nan cared for everyone and would rally the whole family for special occasions like Christmas and birthdays. She really was the glue that held our large family together, instilling in me early on the importance of family.

    Alex, Elaine and family at a family BBQ

     

    She lived in the Canterbury area her entire life, in Barham and Womenswold. She never strayed much further than this due to family ties. Seasonally, she was a fruit-picker on the local farms, and in later years she started working as a fruit-packer at Highland Court Farm in Bridge, Canterbury.

    Though I was only young when I knew her, I remember that she was always very loving; she took a liking to me with my bright outlook and hyperactive nature. This bond was very special and I’ve grown up believing her to be my guardian angel. My fondest memories are of family gatherings; my parents and grandparents would often take us on holidays to the Norfolk Broads, where we’d enjoy the sun and travel across the rivers on two boats. I would wear my life jacket and my nan always treated me to ice cream or snacks whenever we moored up.

    As kind as she was, Elaine would not suffer fools gladly – she was confident, spoke her mind and protected those closest to her. This is why she was so inspirational to me and why we all respected her immensely.

    After being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, my nan was looked after at the Canterbury hospice where she received respite and end-of-life care for six months.
    The care was excellent; Pilgrims staff made sure she was as comfortable as she could be in her final days.

    For me, Pilgrims means a place of sanctuary. It removes that feeling of hopelessness or loneliness when facing the greatest fear; death. Instead of being alone or feeling alone when you’re given the most terrible news, Pilgrims allows you an opportunity to have clarity, honesty and integrity when coming to terms with the inevitable. They can’t stop the clock – but they can take your mind away from it.

    Alex

    For me, Pilgrims means a place of sanctuary. It removes that feeling of hopelessness or loneliness when facing the greatest fear; death. Instead of being alone or feeling alone when you’re given the most terrible news, Pilgrims allows you an opportunity to have clarity, honesty and integrity when coming to terms with the inevitable. They can’t stop the clock – but they can take your mind away from it.

    Why I’m taking part in the Thanet 5k Colour Run

    I found out about the Thanet 5k Colour Run via Facebook and immediately signed up to take part. I’ve set up a JustGiving page and am sharing this on social media – Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc. – to rally support and encourage donations. I plan to make my own flyers and post them through doors in my local area, too. My friends and family are really supportive of what I’m doing and donations are quickly starting to come in.

    Alex is already in training for the Thanet 5k Colour Run

     

    I want to support Pilgrims because they cared for my nan so well in her final days. One thing that they did in particular was maintain an open and honest line of communication; they never pulled the wool over my nan’s eyes or tried to bend the truth – she was dying. Pilgrims enabled her to face the reality of the situation with relative comfort. She was allowed to smoke, sleep, read or just sit alone. If she wished, Pilgrims volunteers would sit and talk with her.

    Visiting was always made easy for our family and I was able to say goodbye to her personally, even though I was just 4-years-old. My father and I stood by her side, she gave us a look and it was then that we knew her time had come. My dad took my hand and placed it into hers; together, we clasped her hand tight just as she took her last breath.

    I’ll always appreciate what Pilgrims did for my nan; that’s why I’m taking part in the Thanet 5k Colour Run, to support this amazing charity in continuing its magnificent work.

    Alex

    I’ll always appreciate what Pilgrims did for my nan; that’s why I’m taking part in the Thanet 5k Colour Run, to support this amazing charity in continuing its magnificent work. I hope to create a wider understanding of what Pilgrims do and encourage others to support, because it’s vital that high quality end-of-life care continues to be available to local people who are living with incurable illness.

    Alex hopes to raise £1,000 for Pilgrims by taking part in the Thanet 5k Colour Run. If you’d like to sponsor him, visit his JustGiving page.

    Want to get colourful for Pilgrims? Visit pilgrimshospices.org/colourrun to sign up now to dash through bright paint clouds and get covered in colour in aid of local hospice care. Register by 31 August 2018 to save with our Early Bird offer of just £16 for adults and £10 for under 11s.


    If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.

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