Sean’s 30-mile run to Blackpool, in memory of his mum

In memory of his mum, Sarah, Sean Towers has taken on a series of running challenges, including the Manchester and Loch Ness Marathons, raising money for East Lancashire Hospice, where his mother died last year.

Sean also completed a 30-mile tribute run from East Lancashire Hospice to Blackpool Tower, which was to honour his mother's wishes to visit Blackpool Zoo and their shared memories at the Hospice.

When Sean’s mum, Sarah Towers, first came to East Lancashire Hospice, he admits he didn’t know what to expect.

Sean said: “I thought it would be like a hospital, but the hospice is so homely and peaceful, it’s nothing like I imagined." 

During her time at East Lancashire Hospice, Sarah was referred to the Inpatient Unit, where she also received Complementary Therapy sessions. She enjoyed spending time in the hospice gardens whenever she could, soaking up the sunshine over summer.

Sean remembers sleeping in a recliner chair beside her bed for the final few nights.

Other family members used the overnight stay room within the hospice.

The staff made sure everyone was comfortable.

Sean said: “They couldn’t do enough for us, they even let me keep items in the cafe fridges."

Sarah had a close bond with many of the Hospice staff, in particular, Michael on the Inpatient Unit, who had coincidentally also cared for Sean's grandad with the hospice at Home team. 

Some of their families' most precious memories are shared with Sean’s young daughter.

At only 18 months old, when her grandma died, she loved exploring the hospice gardens.

Even months later, when the family attended the Sunflower Memorial Event at East Lancashire Hospice, they found her searching for the flamingo situated in the garden pond. To this day, she refers to the Hospice as ‘Granny’s Special House’. 

Sean's mum had planned to visit Blackpool Zoo, to see her favourite animal, the orangutan.

The family had a coach booked to make the trip happen, but sadly, she was admitted to the hospice just two days before the visit.

Months later, Sean took his partner and daughter to the zoo, and when he finally reached the orangutan enclosure, he was overwhelmed with emotion.

“I honestly cried my eyes out, thinking of her”, he said. 

In memory of his mum, Sean has taken on a series of running challenges, from the Manchester and Loch Ness Marathons to a 30-mile run from East Lancashire Hospice to Blackpool; a symbolic journey to the place his mum longed to visit.

So far, he’s raised over £4,000 for the hospice. Even Sean’s daughter has joined in the fundraising efforts, taking part in the Hospice’s Hop, Skip, and Jump event, proudly bunny-hopping her way to raise sponsorship.

Sean said: “We honestly couldn’t have picked a better place for my mum to spend her last days.”

If you’d like to support Sean’s fundraising efforts for East Lancashire Hospice, please donate using this link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/seantowers