Joan’s grandsons giving back to St Luke's at Tough Mudder
In May this year Joan Bond was a patient at St Luke’s Hospice in Sheffield where she received specialist care and support at the end of her life.
Now, two months after her death, grandsons Cole, Ford and Tate Bond-Rothwell are taking on the Yorkshire Tough Mudder to raise funds in her memory.
During her time at St Luke's, Joan's story touched many people as she shared her message of positivity and "making every day count".
Facing the difficult reality that she did not know whether she had days or weeks left to live, Joan was determined to make the most of every moment.
For her, that meant spending precious time with her family and creating memories that daughters Claire, Emma and Sarah, and her grandchildren, would treasure forever.
Those memories took the form of themed family days, including Pyjama Day, Moustache Day, Hawaiian Day and Silly Hat Day, when everyone dressed up, shared a laugh and made the most of their time together.
The St Luke's team also organised a very special early Christmas celebration at the hospice, giving the Bond family the chance to spend one last Christmas together.
Inspired by Joan's positivity and keen to give back to the hospice, the boys are now taking on the Yorkshire Tough Mudder 15k obstacle challenge on Sunday, July 26.
Their fundraising effort also fulfils one of Joan's final wishes: that they help raise money to support future patients and families cared for by St Luke's.
“St Luke’s has been an incredible source of care, comfort and support for our Nannan and our whole family during such a difficult time,” said the boys. “The kindness, compassion and dignity they show every single day means more to us than words can ever explain.”
“Before our Nannan passed away, one of the last things she asked of us was to help raise money for the hospice. Taking on the Tough Mudder is our way of saying thank you, while also giving our Nannan her last wish.”
“Every pound we raise will help another family receive the same incredible support that meant so much to us.”
The boys have already raised more than £1,200 to help St Luke's continue providing compassionate care and support to local patients and families.
