We’d like to say a special thank you to the amazing Adam Mould, who’s just finished an incredible year of fundraising in support of Birmingham Hospice, after we cared for his partner, Aneela Hoque, in 2022.
Aneela, fondly known as Annie, was just 34 years-old when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cervical Cancer in January 2021 and died just 19 months later at home.
When speaking of Annie, Adam said: “Annie was just amazing. She was very genuine, beautiful, and so friendly. I was absolutely smitten when I met her. We became official in 2011 and we just had so much in common. We adopted two cats, and she was the love of my life. She was very ambitious, and always stood up for what she believed in. She truly pushed me to be a better person.”
Adam told us how Annie wanted to be cared for at home. He said: “She had a hospital bed, and we were very lucky to be able to make her comfortable, and she loved having the cats around.
“Annie was helped by the hospice with her pain, and just advice in general. Knowing they were on hand for any questions or concerns was really comforting. With their help, Annie was able to enjoy life during her illness.”
Annie died surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday 24 September 2022.
Following Annie’s death, Adam explained: “The grief was a lot, so I started to take up running to get my mind off it. It was then I decided to take on the year of fundraising in her memory, which included five fitness challenges.
“As well as fundraising, I decided to scatter Annie’s ashes in places that were either special to us both or somewhere she’d always wanted to visit. I visited Japan, Paris, Crete, and South Africa to scatter the ashes. I felt really lost and without purpose, so I needed this to focus on to keep me busy.
“I first visited Japan, as we are both self-proclaimed geeks are really into the culture. I scattered Annie’s ashes in Kyoto near the cherry blossom trees, as this was something Annie had always wanted to see.
“The next stop was Paris, as this is where we came for our first-year anniversary. I then travelled to Crete, where Annie worked for a few months and always said it was the making of her. I finally visited South Africa, to take part in a safari. Annie loved animals, especially cats, so this one was really special – it felt like she was with me the whole time.”
Over his year of fundraising, aptly named Annie’s Ashes, he’s raised an astonishing £7,702.36.
It all began with our very own Ride the Reservoir event back in April, where he conquered the 100km challenge. He then ran the Great Birmingham Run in May, before taking on an incredible half-Ironman challenge, and an Olympic triathlon.
Finally, in October, Adam completed the Barcelona Ironman Challenge which consists of a 3.8km swim, a 112 cycle and a marathon. Adam said: “I’d done half marathons before but nothing like this. It was very challenging as my watch and phone lost battery and the sun had set. It was quite disorientating. My brother, Alex, caught me during the marathon and told me how much I’d raised, and I couldn’t believe it. Everyone has been so supportive.”
When asked if he had any advice for future fundraisers, Adam told us: “Go as big as you think you can’t. Look at what you can do, and then go that extra step. If you have a reasoning behind supporting, you will find the motivation.
“The one thing I’ve noticed from this year is that Annie’s memory will always live on in the lessons and principles I learned from her and now share with others.”
We are so proud of you Adam, thank you for all your amazing support this year.
Does Adam’s story inspire you? If so, and you’d like to find out more about supporting Birmingham Hospice, please email fundraise@birminghamhospice.org.uk. Our team would love to hear from you!
