Kirsty Walpole from Norfolk ran this year’s Eastbourne Half Marathon to fundraise for St Wilfrid’s. It’s unusual for a runner to travel from so far afield, so we wanted to find out why Kirsty made the 320-mile round trip to take part.

“I wanted to do the run in memory of my nanny, Edna Lee, who was an inspirational matriarch of the family. Not only did she devote her working career to helping others through nursing, but she also worked, volunteered and fundraised for St Wilfrid’s Hospice,” Kirsty said.

“Nanny started working at the hospice in Mill Gap Road a few years after it opened in 1983. She loved her role as a Healthcare Assistant and only left, reluctantly, many years later, when she passed retirement age and became ‘uninsurable’, which was probably wise given her calamitous luck!

“But she soon returned as a volunteer and often accompanied patients during their transportation to and from the hospice, whilst likely talking their ears off!

“Spanning many years both Nanny and Grandad Ted were actively involved with fundraising, which included appearances in the annual hospice pantomime. She also became a regular helper at St Wilfrid’s fetes, where Nanny laid claim to the ‘bottle stall’ for many years!” Kirsty said.

Kirsty’s mum, Carol Morton, takes over the story. “Mum had renal problems from her mid-70s, but did incredibly well right up until October 2021. After that her health deteriorated and by the middle of 2022 it became clear she needed palliative care. She was in Eastbourne District General Hospital when St Wilfrid’s was first mentioned, but she said no, she wanted to die at home. Even as a retired nurse, I knew I couldn’t look after Mum like I wanted to, so I asked again, and she agreed.

“We were given information about being able to phone the hospice any time and how their 24-hour Nurse Line could act as a one-stop helpline. We ended up using it on several occasions, including out of hours for advice, a listening ear and requesting Community Nurse contact.

“Staff were professional, helpful and supportive and I can’t tell you how appreciative I was, knowing that calls would be answered and acted on. Such a simple thing made such a big difference, and without St Wilfrid’s, I know such an emotionally difficult time would have been significantly more challenging,” Carol said.

“Mum had a lot of time for St Wilfrid’s, so that’s why we donated most of her belongings to them when she died. We knew she’d be pleased to be raising money for the hospice even after she’d gone. And I was so proud of Kirsty for continuing to do so by running the Eastbourne Half Marathon in her Nanny’s honour.”

Pictured: Kirsty crossing the finish line, and with her Mum Carol afterwards