A woman living with Huntington’s disease has helped her husband complete a 160-mile fundraising challenge for Birmingham Hospice in just seven days.
Carol Forrester, 60, who uses a wheelchair, accompanied husband David, 62, as he pounded the pavements as part of the hospice’s Miles for Medals challenge in recognition of the care and support Carol has received.
The determined duo from Billesley, completed their inspiring journey at Birmingham Hospice’s Selly Park site, where staff and supporters gathered to cheer them across the finish line.
Mr Forrester said: “When I found out about Miles for Medals, I thought ‘I’ll give that a try’ and decided to walk 160 miles.
“The hospice is such a good cause, so I wanted to push myself and complete it in seven days.
“I’d take Carol out on the walks, pushing her in her wheelchair, do 10 to 15 miles, bring her back home for the carers to come in, and then I’d go out again.
“Carol can’t do anything for herself, but she still tries to talk and if it wasn’t for her, I might have stopped early.
“We wanted to raise money for the hospice as they’ve been so good to us and I know they don’t get a lot of help from the government.”
Carol was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease in 2004 and as her health deteriorated David gave up his job to care for her. She was referred to the hospice in March of last year following a three-month spell in hospital.
The hospice has been able to support the couple in many ways including providing quilts and sanitary items through the Personal Health Budget Team.
“When the palliative nurse came to see us after Carol came out of hospital, she asked what I was going to do next and I explained I was going shopping for a new quilt, covers and pillows for Carol,” said David.
“But she said the hospice could help us and within two hours I had a phone call saying they had a quilt cover and everything for Carol which they would send tomorrow.
“The hospice means everything to us; they have been there for Carol and I. When she came out of hospital they told us that if we needed anything we could just call them.”
Now David is encouraging people to sign up for Miles for Medals and help to support Birmingham Hospice.
The fundraising challenge is held throughout May and encourages people to run, walk or cycle either 40, 60, 80 or 160 miles and help fund Birmingham Hospice’s specialist palliative and end of life care.
David encouraged others to take part in the challenge whatever their fitness. “You can just get out there and do your best; you don’t have to walk 160 miles you can walk 40 and take your time.”
