Marie's Story

Marie, a dedicated supporter of Strathcarron Hospice, embraced the challenge of cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia in 2023. Since then, she has signed up for the Cycle Thailand Challenge this November and plans to tackle The Lapland Husky Trail next year, all to raise funds for our Hospice. Her unwavering commitment to raising essential funds for Strathcarron Hospice is truly inspiring.

Strathcarron Hospice will always be a place close to my heart. My husband Mark, father to our three amazing children, Emily, Molly and Callum, was cared for at Strathcarron for three months from April to July 2019. Mark was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumour in March 2017. He put up the bravest of fights, there isn't a day that goes by that we don't miss him. I don't think we could ever repay the hospice for the dedication and care they provided for Mark during his final days. Strathcarron, truly is a wonderful place and deserves the recognition for the great work they do, not just for the patients, but for the families too.

Since Mark's diagnosis in 2017, as a family we found strength from fund raising. Initially, for awareness for brain tumours & research and since 2019 for Strathcarron Hospice.  As a family we have organised and supported various events over the years, the London marathon ( not me- my daughter Emily & her husband James !), quiz nights, bingo,  band nights, Dunblane Hydro Ball, even supermarket bag packing,  all for the purpose of raising funds for the Hospice. In November 2022, 5 family members were was part of a team who cycled across Vietnam to Cambodia. Not going to lie, if the truth be known, previous to training for the bike ride, the last time I had been on a bike was probably in the 1970's, most likely a chopper bike ! It was an amazing experience , a challenge I will never forget for many reasons.

Most importantly for me the journey was for Mark, for his legacy. The bravery he showed during his illness was profound. A 400km bike ride was nothing in comparison. This year in July, its hard to believe, it will be 5 years since we lost Mark, he will be forever in our hearts. To continue my support for Strathcarron, and to keep Mark's Legacy alive, I have signed up for not one but two challenges,  Yes l did say two ! Both to raise funds and awareness of the challenges the Hospice faces everyday in financing the extraordinary care they provide for the community.

In November 2024 I will be cycling across Thailand and in March 2025 I will be Husky Sledding in Lapland.  My son Callum has also signed up for the Edinburgh Marathon in April 2024. For me the challenges are twofold, to continue my support for Strathcarron, my way of giving back and for Mark. Now Mark always said I was crazy, somehow I think he may have been right !! Over the coming months I will be back on my fund raising journey, every penny raised will make a world of difference to people just like Mark.