Lauren’s Fundraising Story

Earlier this year, Lauren’s mam passed away on the Inpatient Unit at our hospice. In honour of her mam, Lauren has raised an amazing £3,000+ to support the care we provide to so many families across Teesside like hers.

Our team asked Lauren some questions about her experience at the hospice and what fundraising for us means to her…

Can you tell us a little about your Mam and what she meant to you?

“My mam was simply the best. She was the kindest person I have ever known and seemed to possess a rare kind of magic. She had lots of little sayings, but one that is the most ‘her’ is: ‘a little kindness means a lot’. I feel that sums her up really!

I know everyone says this about their mum, but she really meant the world to me. She wasn’t just my mam; she was my best friend. Having her as our mam made life feel safer. She was our constant, our biggest supporter and the person who always made everything feel a little bit easier. Her love felt like home.

I feel so lucky to have had her as my mam, and although I miss her more than words can explain, I hope that through the way I live my life, her love will live on.”

What was your family's experience with Teesside Hospice, and what impact did the care and support have on you all?

“Our experience with Teesside Hospice was truly second to none. From the very beginning, we felt listened to, reassured, and cared for.

When mam was admitted, we instantly felt like we were the only family there, and that is such a testament to the incredible inpatient team and the level of compassion they provide. They went above and beyond to support us, including allowing eight of us to stay overnight with mam by bringing in extra beds and bedding, making us drinks, checking in on us, and being a constant source of comfort.

They gave us the space and opportunity to simply be a family and spend precious time with mam, without having to worry about anything else. The support they provided also helped us to understand and come to terms with where mam was in her illness. They explained what was happening medically, how much time we might have left and what to expect, but they did so with such kindness, compassion and respect.

Most importantly, they cared for mam with such dignity and love during the final stages of her life. Soon after mam was admitted, she was no longer fully responsive and was in the final stage of her illness; they treated her with the same warmth, respect and individuality they would have at any other stage of her life.”

What inspired you to fundraise for Teesside Hospice?

“Mam was always someone who cared deeply about other people, so supporting a charity that cared for her and our family in such a meaningful way feels like a fitting way to honour her. After seeing first-hand the difference the hospice makes, I wanted to give something back.

We can never truly repay Teesside Hospice for everything they gave us, but fundraising is my way of saying thank you and helping them continue to be there for other families.”

What would completing your fundraising challenges mean to you?

“Completing my challenges would mean a lot to me, not because they are the biggest or most difficult thing, but because of what they represent and the cause they are for.

It also means a lot to me that my little boy gets to see me doing this. Although he’s only 4, I want him to grow up knowing how special his nan was and how much she was loved, as well as the impact she had on the people around her.”

If your mam could see what you're doing, what do you think she'd say?

“This is probably the hardest question to answer, because more than anything I wish she actually could see it. She had this incredible ability to make me feel like I could achieve anything.

When I completed the Great North Run in 2023, she messaged me on the evening saying, “You’re amazing queen. Just so proud of you, proud beyond words, what a star.” Those words mean even more to me now, and they are something I will carry with me when I complete it again this year.”

Finally, what would you say to anyone thinking about taking on a fundraising challenge for the hospice?

“I have fundraised for other charities before, but this time feels particularly special because I have seen firsthand exactly where that money goes and the difference it makes.

You don’t have to have a personal connection to hospice care to make a difference. You never know when you or someone you love might need the support of a hospice, and the work they do relies on people coming together to help keep those services available.”

If you would like to leave a donation so we can support more people like Lauren’s family, visit our Donate page.