'I'm doing this for the hospice that fulfilled Dad's last wish'

When Gemma Holland's dad, Terry, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he had one wish – to die at home.

Now, she is raising money for the hospice charity that helped her dad fulfil his last wish by joining the St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk.

"Dad's wish was to die at home, and we were only able to honour this because of the support from [the] hospice," Gemma said.

This year's Midnight Walk will take place in Christchurch Park, Ipswich, on 16 May.

Gemma, who is a volunteer at the hospice, has done the walk before but this time it will be especially poignant for her.

"I know this year will be more emotional for me as I will be thinking of Dad," she said.

"You never know when you might need the hospice, but I know from personal experience that their support is always there, with staff who step forward for you and your family whenever it's needed.

"They offered comfort, reassurance and guidance at every stage, helping us through an incredibly difficult time and ensuring Dad could stay at home where he felt safest."

Terry was diagnosed with cancer in September last year and died in December, aged 80.

St Elizabeth Hospice provides care for people from Ipswich and East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

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