Laura from Buxton is taking part in our Jingle Bell Jog on Sunday 3rd December in memory of her beloved Poppop, and dear friend, Lynne.
Laura explains: ‘I first took part in 2018; I missed taking part in 2019 but came along to the event to cheer on Lovely Lynne who did it with friends and family. I haven’t missed a year since and it was really wonderful to take part alongside my daughter in 2022. Last year was the second year running that a group of us came together to form what we’ve called “Lynne’s Army.”
‘When I first took part in 2018 it was in memory of my Poppop – David Vaines. He sadly passed away in 2017 after battling with Leukaemia for a number of years. We found out in October 2017 that there was nothing more that could be done for him and he came home from hospital to spend the remainder of his time with family. It was thanks to the Hospice at Home team from Blythe House that Poppop was able to remain at home during his final days. This meant so much to our family as it really eased some of the stresses that would have been if we’d had to travel to hospital to visit him. The team that supported Poppop enabled him to die with dignity and that is something that we will forever be grateful for. The support offered extended beyond this and they weren’t just there for him but also all of us.
‘In 2019, Lovely Lynne took part in the Jingle Bell Jog, after her own battles with cancer she always did whatever she could to support Blythe House with a number of different fundraising projects. It brought tears to our eyes as we watched her son Alex cross the finish line and run back to find his mum and complete the race again by her side. In 2021, Lynne’s Army was formed by her family and close friend, Alice, and unsurprisingly there were lots of people keen to join the team in support of Lynne.
‘On the day Lynne passed away she was messaging me about the Just Giving page that they were setting up in advance of the Jingle Bell Jog; I still have our messages and she said “Alex and Alice are thinking we call it Lynne’s Army?!!? What do you think?! I feel like I’ve got an army behind me for sure.”
‘Lynne didn’t get to see us all rally together that year but we bossed it for her and we did that again in 2022 and that’s exactly what we are going to do again this year. Each year I’ve made some signs for us to wear featuring Lynne’s beautiful face and a sunflower; she loved sunflowers and they definitely remind us of her and the sunshiny positive outlook she had on life.
‘I think it’s impossible to find a reason why you wouldn’t want to support the hospice. The experience we had personally for our Poppop will never leave us and I would do anything to help raise money so other people can continue to receive such amazing care and support at what can only be described as the worst time in life. I know that Lynne’s family benefited from other support that Blythe House has to offer such as counselling services so we will continue to come together year on year and always do anything we can to raise money.
‘It’s hard to say what my favourite thing about taking part in the jog is…I think seeing so many Santa’s in one place has to be a highlight. I remember in 2020 when the jog was ‘reimagined’ because of Covid-19, we created our own route and we were running up St John’s Road and people were driving past tooting their car horns in response, and I remember actually having a little cry as a ran along because this meant so much. I think whilst I initially started my Jingle Bell Jog journey in memory of Poppop, it now carries a very different meaning and I’m really looking forward to Lynne’s Army coming together for the 3rd consecutive year. It’s nice to be around so many people who loved Lynne as much as we did and to share our fond memories of her together. She was a truly incredible person; a lovely wife, mum, sister and sister in law, friend, colleague…the list could just go on. So, I guess my favourite part of the jog now is celebrating our lovely bunch of loveliness – we’ve said this a few times over the last few years but we genuinely were better people for knowing and loving Lynne.
‘I will always champion any fundraising events that will benefit Blythe House and would encourage everyone to take part. You don’t have to be able to run – walking a 5k is absolutely doable so the event is inclusive and anyone can take part – there is even a shorter route for children under the age of 12. The route is wheelchair and pushchair friendly too and believe me there is no better feeling than crossing that finish line!’
Would you be happy to share a few words and a photograph about why you’re taking part in this year’s Jingle Bell Jog? Perhaps you’re taking part to support the hospice as a family member or friend is being cared for by by the team here; maybe you’re doing it as a fitness challenge; you’re getting together with loved ones to kick start the Christmas festivities; or you’re doing it in memory of someone special. Whatever your reason, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact our communications team Rebecca and Poppie.
