A Weston General Hospital housekeeper will support Weston Hospicecare in this year’s Mendip Challenge after the charity provided end-of-life care to her 44-year-old husband.

Sharon Hogarth has signed up to take on the 10-mile route in support of the hospice after her husband Grant was supported by the charity before he died from lung cancer.

The Mendip Challenge is the charity’s most popular fundraiser and will take place on Sunday 2 June, offering hundreds people a chance to walk 10, 20 or 30-mile route in aid of the hospice during its 30^th anniversary year.

Sharon said: “Grant and I had only been married for seven months when he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in February 2017.

“He was given approximately 15-18 months to live, but sadly passed away just three months later.

“We were on a holiday in Majorca on what was our ‘last holiday’ but we were forced to return early as his breathing and pain had increased rapidly.”

Sharon described how the hospice made life more comfortable for Grant, herself, and their families, once they had returned to the UK.

She said: “He was admitted to hospital and was there for a week and then he stayed at home for four days until a bed was available at Weston Hospicecare.

“I was able to stay with Grant in his room and I didn’t leave the hospice once he was admitted, something I will be forever grateful for.

“The staff were amazing, so kind and caring. We were looked after as well as Grant was and they offered so much comfort and support at what truly is the most awful time.

“I cannot put into words how truly grateful I am that my beloved husband was cared for with such kindness and dignity.”

Sharon finished by expressing how lucky Weston and the surrounding villages are to have access to the hospice should they need it.

She said: “We are very lucky to have such an amazing place here, without it our loved ones may not have the chance to have such a dignified end to their lives.”

It costs £4.2million each year to run the charity and support expert care given to those who need them meaning support from the community at fundraising events, like the Mendip Challenge, is crucial.

Nearly 400 people have already signed up to take part in Weston Hospicecare’s 30^th anniversary year Mendip Challenge. It costs £15 per adult and £10 per child with participants encouraged to raise sponsorship money on top.

To join Sharon by taking part, visit Weston Hospicecare’s Mendip Challenge website page by visiting westonhospicecare.org.uk/mendip to register.