Kelsie’s story
Kelsie Rochelle, 24, from Great Wyrley, is taking on a half marathon in memory of her beloved dad to say thank you for the care St Giles Hospice provided.
Kelsie’s dad, Andrew, was diagnosed with cancer in December 2023 and began receiving specialist care and pain management support from St Giles shortly afterwards. The Community team initially visited him at the family home, before he spent around a month at the hospice in February 2025. After being discharged, St Giles continued to support him at home until he died.
Remembered as a loving, thoughtful and endlessly kind man, Kelsie says her dad’s personality left a lasting impression on everyone he met. She said: “My dad always lived life to the full. He had a mischievous sparkle in his eye and loved winding people up to make them laugh. Behind the jokes was a devoted husband, a proud dad, and someone who always put others first.”
Kelsie, her mum Kerry, sisters Charlie and Lexi, and brother George were supported by St Giles, both at home and in the hospice. Kelsie continued: “St Giles didn’t just care for my dad – they cared for our whole family. From the pain management and medical care to the kindness and reassurance, they were there for us every step of the way.”
One particular gesture that stood out was the hospice providing Kelsie’s mum with a bed so she could stay overnight with her husband.
Inspired by her sister completing a charity skydive last year, Kelsie decided she wanted to do something herself to honour her dad’s memory. After taking up running following her dad’s death, Kelsie has committed to completing her first-ever half marathon on Sunday 22nd March.
Kelsie said: “I’ve never run a half marathon before – the furthest I’ve done is 10k – but I wanted to push myself. I take comfort in knowing my dad will be watching over me the whole way.”
Kelsie believes her dad would have found humour in the challenge, while quietly feeling proud.
She continued: “He’d definitely be laughing at me and taking the mick the whole way through, but deep down, I know he’d be incredibly proud, especially knowing it’s for such an amazing cause.
“Hospices like St Giles are so important. Fundraising really does make a difference – and it helps ensure they can continue their vital work for more families like mine in the future.”
Kelsie hopes her story will encourage others to lace up their trainers and take on a running challenge for.
St Giles Hospice provides specialist palliative and end of life care, free of charge, for people living with terminal illnesses across Staffordshire, North Birmingham and surrounding areas. More than 80% of the charity’s care is delivered in the community.
With less than a quarter of its £10 million annual costs funded by the Government, St Giles relies heavily on donations and income generation from the local community to continue its vital care.
