Euxton mum takes on trio of St Catherine’s challenges in honour of beloved husband

An Euxton mum is joining St Catherine’s Hospice for a trio of the charity’s major fundraisers this year, in memory of her beloved husband Nigel.

Nigel, a dad-of-one and accountant, attended the Lostock Hall hospice’s Day Therapy after he was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma brain tumour in 2014.

He also received care from the charity’s dedicated Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) team, who visit people in their own homes, extending the support offered by St Catherine’s to the local community.

Sian, has just taken on the hospice’s 11,000ft skydive at Black Knights Parachute Centre in Lancaster, raising £2,560 for the cause, and has also signed up for the charity’s upcoming Wiggle Counties Challenge bike ride on May 14, as well as the poignant Moonlight and Memories Walk on July 1.

Sian said: “Nigel loved attending Day Therapy, he had a great relationship with the staff and patients, and he got so much out of it. No matter what, Nigel always attended once a week and he really looked forward to it.”

St Catherine’s Day Therapy is for people with life-shortening illnesses to access care and support from medical staff; enjoy complementary therapies such as massages; and take part in social activities like crafts and games with people going through similar circumstances.

“The care and support from St Catherine’s is great; I’m still in contact with staff and volunteers now,” Sian added. “Late last year I decided I wanted to give something back to the hospice, it was then that I thought I’d do three challenges. When I saw the skydive advertised I thought it would be a great place to start.

“It was completely out of my comfort zone, but it was amazing!

“Next it’s the Wiggle Four Counties Bike Ride in May with my brother David Cotgreave and my son Luke, and my mum Ann Cotgreave is joining me for the Moonlight and Memories Walk in July.”

St Catherine’s fundraiser, Hayley Jackson, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Sian for taking part in the skydive and raising an incredible £2,560 for the hospice. It’s great to hear that she is also taking part in the Wiggle Counties Challenge and the Moonlight and Memories Walk with her family.

“At St Catherine’s, we believe that families facing life-shortening illnesses should avoid needless distress and, wherever possible, unnecessary time in hospital. That’s why we offer a unique range of specialised services to help people feel comfortable where they live or in the beautiful setting of St Catherine’s Hospice.

“We would not be able to continue our vital work without support from people like Sian and her family, so we’re extremely grateful for her determined and worthy efforts in helping us to raise the £5.2m it costs to run the charity every year.”

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