Family launches fundraising challenge in memory of much-loved mum
A local family has launched an ambitious fundraising challenge in memory of a much-loved wife, mum and keen runner who received care from St Giles Hospice at the end of her life.
Rebecca Harmon, age 51, and wife to David and mum to Issy and Jacob, was diagnosed with Sage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer in May 2021. Throughout her illness she faced every challenge with remarkable determination, finding strength and comfort in one of her greatest passions – running.
Sadly, Rebecca died at St Giles in February this year, surrounded by the care and support that meant so much to her and her family.
David said: “St Giles Hospice has been there for us throughout our whole journey. From the very beginning, the care and compassion we received was invaluable.
“They gave us the time and space we needed as a family while Rebecca was still with us. The team took Rebecca into their hearts, and knowing she was so well looked after gave us real comfort.”
While continuing to navigate the heartbreak of Rebecca’s death, David and the family have chosen to honour Rebecca’s memory by launching a fundraising challenge inspired by her love of running.
The challenge, Run4Rebecca, launched on what would have been Rebecca’s 52nd birthday and celebrates the 2,395 miles she ran between her diagnosis and the point she could no longer continue running.
Now her family hope to turn those miles into support for others. Their goal is to encourage 2,395 people to run, jog or walk and donate £25, or whatever they can, to support charities that meant the most to Rebecca, including St Giles Hospice.
David said: “Being active and running were incredibly important to Rebecca. It wasn’t just something she did, it became integral to who she was and part of our family life.”
“We’re hoping to honour Rebecca and perhaps inspire people to get out, exercise and experience the benefits that running and being active brought to Rebecca throughout her life.”
People can follow the challenge on Instagram by following @run4rebecca.
To read more inspiring stories from patients, families, volunteers and supporters, read the latest copy of Your St Giles: www.stgileshospice.com/yourstgiles
