After watching the London Marathon last year, Josh felt inspired to take on the challenge himself and do it for a cause that means a lot to him. This year, he’ll be running the London Marathon in memory of his nanny Barb and grandad John, and in support of St Barnabas.
Josh describes his nanny as someone who was full of wisdom and life lessons, who lit up every room she walked into and was always a laugh to be around.
He says: “Nanny Barb was amazing in every possible way. Family meant everything to her, and she was a pillar of our family. Her loss has left a huge gap that can never really be filled.”
He describes Grandad John as a “typical grandad”, full of war-time facts, classic grandad jokes, and stories that made both the grandchildren and great-grandchildren laugh.
Josh continues: “Together, they were an incredible couple and the perfect grandparents. Running in their names means everything to me.”
Barb was diagnosed with blood cancer, and received hospice care at home, before moving into a local hospice for two weeks to receive end-of-life support.
Josh adds: “Nothing really prepares you for hearing something like that, and it brought a mix of shock, fear, and heartbreak. As a family, we tried to stay strong for one another while coming to terms with what lay ahead, making the most of every moment we had together.
“Seeing how comfortable and cared for she was made such a difficult time far more bearable for all of us.”
The experience had such an impact on his Grandad John, that when his pulmonary fibrosis worsened and he developed heart failure, he wanted to have hospice care too.
“The care and compassion shown to him and our family during that time meant more to us than words can express.
“If I had to describe hospice care in one word, it would be impossible, because one word simply isn’t enough. The support we received went far beyond medical care. The atmosphere was peaceful, and somehow even cheerful during one of the hardest times of our lives. It created a sense of comfort and reassurance and made an unbearable situation just that little bit easier to cope with.”
It is because of this personal experience, that Josh is eager to give back and support hospice care in any way he can.
“Sadly, it was during the application process for a St Barnabas London Marathon charity place, that Grandad John became ill and later passed away. When I was chosen to run, I knew without a doubt that it was something that I had to do.
“Supporting St Barnabas is my way of helping ensure that other families can receive the same incredible care, support, and compassion when they need it most.”
While the training has been challenging, Josh has maintained four runs per week and has enjoyed his training routine.
Josh adds: “This will be a huge mental challenge, but running in Nanny Barb’s and Grandad John’s names, and thinking about the incredible hospice work, will give me everything I need to get through it.
“Each run pushes me further, both physically and mentally, and reminds me exactly why I’m doing this.
“At the start line, I know I’ll be thinking about Nanny Barb and Grandad John, and how proud I hope they would be. At the finish line, it will be a mixture of relief, emotion, and gratitude – knowing I’ve done this for them, and for hospice care. I’ll also be thinking about the biggest glass of wine at the finish line!”
If you’d like to sponsor Josh and support St Barnabas with a donation, your generosity will help the hospice continue to be there for families when they need it most: Joshua Takouni is fundraising for St Barnabas Hospice Trust (Lincolnshire)
Would you like to take on a challenge in memory of a loved one? Josh says: “Do it. If not for yourself, then to raise money and awareness for those who truly deserve it! It’s not just about the race day; it’s everything that leads up to it.
“I would highly recommend it. Although, maybe ask me again after 25 miles!”
To take part in an upcoming challenge, or choose your own for St Barnabas, visit the website and sign up today.