The son of a woman who died from lung cancer is preparing to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in memory of his mum
Adam Lilley, 29, wants to raise at least £2,000 for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice after they cared for his mum in her final days.
Jean Godber died on 19th November 2014 at the six-bedded community hospice at Grantham and District Hospital, aged 71.
Adam said: “It was a massive shock for us all when Mum was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2012. She handled it all with such grace and had a fantastic attitude; she was determined to battle the cancer head on.
“And for a while this seemed to be working as the chemotherapy and radiotherapy drove the cancer away. “
After a year in remission, Jean began to feel unwell and in June 2014 she was told the cancer had returned and this time, it had spread into her back.
Adam recalls: “Over the summer her health became very unsettled and she spent a lot of time in and out of hospital. Admirably, she took it all in her stride and remained in good spirits, ensuring that she always had a smile for everyone that visited.”
In early November, Jean was admitted into the Hospice in the Hospital after receiving the sad news that the cancer was terminal.
Adam said: “It was such a heart breaking time for us all and so difficult watching her deteriorate but the homely feel of the hospice and the caring nature of the staff helped to make this time easier.
“I was overwhelmed at how well Mum was looked after and the staff always ensured that she was comfortable, nothing was ever too much trouble.”
After almost two weeks in the care of St Barnabas, Jean Godber died at the age of 71.
Adam said: “I was determined to do something to give something back to the hospice after they helped my mum through her final weeks. I have so much admiration for the staff that care for patients like my mum and I am so grateful for everything they did for her.”
Adam and a group of friends will start the 900-mile bike ride on 18th July, cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Adam said: “Training for the bike ride is quite a challenge and it is becoming ever more intense as the date draws closer. I am really looking forward to the experience even though I know there will be difficult moments.
“I think my mum would be really proud and knowing that this would have made her smile is what will keep me going.”
The money Adam and his friends raise will go towards the care and support of patients and their families who are living with a life-limiting illness in Lincolnshire.
The unit in Grantham and District Hospital is the first of its kind in the county and has cared for more than 250 patients since it opened in September 2014.
Adam concludes: “The loss of my mum has been the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with and I am still adapting to life without her. This bike ride is a wonderful opportunity for me to remember my mum and I know that wherever she is, she’ll be smiling down on me.”