Helen’s story
‘The Jingle Bell Jog is such a special event, the real start of the Christmas countdown for us.’
Helen and her family have made the Blythe House Hospice Jingle Bell Jog their official start to Christmas since the death of their beloved mum and nanny, Lavinia, in November 2024.
Born in 1938 in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester, Lavinia married Mike in 1958 after meeting him aged 16 while working at Forsyth Music Shop on Deansgate. Ten years later, in 1968, they moved to Buxton to manage the Roseleigh Hotel on Broadwalk, where they remained until retirement.
It was here that they raised their daughters, Julie and Helen – and, in time, welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren too.
Helen shared: ‘In 2016, when a tumour was discovered on her lung, the doctor asked Mum what she wanted to do. She said: “To live long enough to see my great-grandchildren.” He operated, and she recovered well enough to meet Lexi, born in 2017, then Teo and Kai in 2019 – Adam and Ketut’s children. Dan and Abbie brought Lily into the family, and Emmy followed in 2021. She fulfilled her wish, and oh, how she adored those children!
Helen, Mike, Julie and Lavinia
‘Mum was later diagnosed with COPD after her lung cancer, which gradually worsened until she needed permanent oxygen. In 2022, she was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. Mum was always so caring – she put everyone else first. Even in her final months, she was more worried about us giving up our time to care for her than she was about herself.
‘After the oesophageal cancer diagnosis, we came to Blythe House and met Louise, Hospice Lead Nurse, who showed us around and explained how the team could help. Mum didn’t feel she needed the support right then, but knowing the hospice was there gave us all such comfort.
‘When Mum became more unwell, the Hospice at Home team began visiting to help her take a shower once a week. My dad was her main carer, and this gave him such reassurance, knowing she was in safe, caring hands. With support from Dad, Julie, myself and our wider family, Mum was able to remain at home and died peacefully, just as she wished. Having the hospice right on our doorstep, ready to step in when we needed it, was a huge comfort.
‘Blythe House is such an incredible place, right at the heart of the community. Everyone I’ve spoken to has nothing but praise for it – the services provided are just brilliant. As a family, we wanted to give something back, so we asked for donations at Mum’s funeral to support the hospice.
‘A group of us took part in the Jingle Bell Jog in 2024. It was so much fun – we came together from across the country to support the hospice and celebrate Mum. The route passes right by the Roseleigh Hotel, which made it even more poignant, as it’s where we spent so much of our lives.
‘This year, my husband, niece and nephew are signed up to take part again, and I’ll be marshalling so I can cheer everyone on along the route – I can’t wait! The Jingle Bell Jog is such a special event, the real start of the Christmas countdown for us. We’re all so looking forward to it!’
Join us for our Jingle Bell Jog on Sunday 7th December 2025
