Thatcham woman scales new heights for Reading hospice which cared for her late mother

A Thatcham woman has almost completed seven fundraisers in memory of her late mother.

From abseiling to walking a marathon, Nikki Douglas, 45, decided to support Reading-based Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice after it cared for her mum, Pauline, during her final days in 2018.

She set herself a target to raise £700, which will be split between Sue Ryder and Cancer Research UK.

Speaking about her experience, Ms Douglas said: “I have completed five out of my seven events so far, and I have my biggest event later on in the year which will be walking a marathon.

“I am pleased to say I have already exceeded the amount I wanted to raise.

“My motivation has been knowing that the money I am raising is enabling another family to experience the support and care my family and I were able to receive from Sue Ryder.

“The service they provide isn’t fully funded by the government, so much is reliant on fundraising, and it is really important hospices are supported to remain open.

“I had hardly got my head around diagnosis before saying goodbye to my mum.

“Sue Ryder made a really hard time so much easier, so I am delighted to be able to give back.”

Ms Douglas has completed several fundraisers over the years, but decided she wanted to do something special for her mum – who would have turned 70 this year.

So far, she has completed the Reading Half Marathon, held a coffee morning with a book sale, a Euro 24 sweepstake, an Easter raffle and this month, abseiled down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower.

“I can honestly say that was more physically draining than the half marathon,” said Ms Douglas.

And speaking more about her mother, she added: “From the point my mum found out she had cancer, it all happened really quickly.

“Sue Ryder nurses visited my dad and arranged for mum to have a hospital bed in their house.

“From the start, the nurses were really helpful and did everything they could to make her more comfortable.

“Eventually, my dad couldn’t manage at home anymore and so she moved into Sue Ryder.

“It immediately took the pressure off; I knew mum was being well looked after and my dad could concentrate on being with mum rather than being her carer.

“When she died, there was no rush for us to leave, everyone was so thoughtful and kind at every step.

“I know so many people with stories similar to mine whose lives have been touched by the hospice, and so fundraising for me is a way of trying to cope and to make something positive out of what has happened.”

Ms Douglas her a Shine Walk (full marathon distance) and an auction/bidding board of prizes left to complete.

She has currently raised £771.

Please visit www.justgiving.com/page/nikki-douglas-7for70for700 to donate to her fundraiser.

Sue Ryder offers a range of hospice and community nursing services in Reading, Newbury and Wokingham.

Between 2022 and 2023, it provided care for 1,877 patients.

It also provided bereavement support for 480 carers, family members and friends.