A woman is cycling 1000 miles on her father’s favourite bike in his memory, after he died at LOROS Hospice following his battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Ruth Gurdset off on her journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats on Sunday – a challenge her dad, James Gurd, had always dreamed of completing but never had the chance to.
“My father had always been an incredibly fit man,” said 33-year-old Ruth, of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, who is raising money for LOROS by taking part in the ride.
“A sporting enthusiast from childhood he was a keen and gifted cyclist for over 60 years. In the early spring of 2013 Daddy was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and his world turned upside down.
“His great ambition was to cycle Land’s End to John O’Groats on his favourite bike. He signed up to do a 15 day tour in 2013 but was diagnosed with MND shortly after.
“Now, I will be riding the route on his beloved bike.”
James was diagnosed with MND at the age of 70. He was always a huge supporter of LOROS, having fundraised for them for more than 20 years.
“Although he had begun to notice a few ailments in his late 60s the brutal diagnosis came as a huge shock,” added Ruth.
“The consultant told him that if you had to have MND, Leicestershire was the county to have it in - the support was unparalleled. And so, our family's relationship with LOROS began.”
LOROS became a security blanket for not only James but Ruth and her family too.
“Daddy's questions had answers, his worries and sadness was heard and understood and his pain and discomfort was presented with possible solutions,” Ruth said.
“We were amazed how everything had been thought of at LOROS, from the volunteer car service to help bring Daddy to appointments, to the free alternative therapies, it is all there.
“One of the LOROS fundraisers that Daddy became friendly with even arranged an afternoon tea for us to enjoy as a family as she knew it was one of Daddy’s favourite things to do.” James regularly attended day therapy at LOROS before spending 10 days in the Hospice in October last year, when he died.
“We came to refer to this time together in LOROS as the ‘LOROS Bubble’,” Ruth added.
“We were supported and heard as we spent Daddy’s final days together. We had easy access to meals, we were provided with a family room where two of us were able to rest and I was able to sleep in a chair by Daddy holding his hand each night.
“Daddy died peacefully, surrounded by his family who were relaxed and comforted knowing that we had been able to offer him the very best care we could right until the end, with the support of LOROS.”
Ruth said she was amazed that LOROS were able to offer her and her family such ‘individual’ and ‘unique’ care, despite ‘being surrounded by other families who have equally sad stories’.
“LOROS truly is a magical place, full of joy and comfort in the face of grief.”
Ruth is set to complete her challenge on September 19th.
She added: “The 1000 mile route is going to be both physically and emotionally challenging but I am proud to try, in memory of my wonderful father and with gratitude to the whole team at LOROS who cared so well for him and the many others like him.”
To sponsor Ruth visit her justgiving page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JHG-LEJOG
To help LOROS continue caring for people like James, Ruth and the rest of their family, please support the Hospice’s 30 For 30 campaign by visiting: loros.co.uk/30for30
To donate, text ‘CARE 24 30’ to 70070 to donate £30 or donate online here
