Patient’s family and friends embark on special fundraising run

Holy Cross is very grateful to Lucy and Lottie for organising a special fundraising run in honour of their mum Katie. The run, which was supported by Katie’s friends and family, raised thousands of pounds which will be put towards something which directly benefits patients. Thank you to Lucy, Lottie and everybody who took part for helping to make a difference to patients’ lives. Read Lucy and Lottie’s account of their very memorable day:

‘Together with friends and family, we celebrated the 59th birthday of our mum, Katie Ross, in a particularly special way. Holy Cross Hospital has been a significant part of our family's life for the past 25 years. They have provided unwavering care and support to our mum who was left quadriplegic after a tragic car accident in 1999.

‘To mark Katie's 25th year at the Holy Cross, and in acknowledgement of the amazing things the team do, Lucy and I laced up to take on the hills of Haslemere and lead a 25km run around the Devil's Punchbowl, 1km for every year since our mum's accident. We were overwhelmed with the amount of support for our challenge, with over 30 people participating in the day in some shape or form; we had 13 runners and 6 cyclists cross the finish line at the Holy Cross, encouraged by a host of family and friends on the final stretch up the Holy Cross driveway. It was particularly special for Lucy and I to be able to push Katie over the finish line together, in the company of our friends and family.

‘While the forecast in the run up to the event was looking almost as daunting as the elevation of the Haslemere hills, we were blessed on the day by brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies - we can only think this is the work of several absent friends who would have loved to have been with us on the day.

‘We celebrated Katie's birthday and the completion of our challenge with homemade birthday cake made by our aunties (Katie's sisters) as well as prosecco, sandwiches, teas and coffees in the Holy Cross activities room. We raised a birthday toast to our mum, but also to our friends, family and Holy Cross who continue to provide such invaluable support to us all, for which we are so grateful.

‘The Holy Cross team has gone above and beyond during Katie's time at the hospital and have ensured our mum remains an integral part of our lives. From regular home visits to attending Christmas masses at church, front row seats at the Olympia Horse Show, and many beach trips to Selsey. We are so grateful for this and are exceptionally proud to have raised £4,843 + gift aid (to date!) throughout this challenge, in recognition of their work. We would like to say a particularly thank you to Jo and Fernando (and his catering team) who helped facilitate the day and make it such a success.

‘We've shared some of our favourite photos of the day and hope that we can mark Katie's birthday in a similar fashion for years to come!

‘With love

Lucy & Lottie (Katie's daughters) x’