A CARLISLE woman was moved to action in memory of her dad, and in thanks for the "amazing" care provided by north Cumbria's hospice.

Amanda Lowis was inspired to do what she could to help support Eden Valley Hospice, based in Carlisle, after seeing the "fantastic" care given to her dad, David Jackson.

Amanda, 43, explained what it meant to her to see the incredible care given to her dad by all those at the hospice.

“In July my Dad was admitted to Eden Valley Hospice for some help and support with his cancer treatment.," she said.

"Although it was in the height of the pandemic they were very supportive and made it possible for my Mum to visit him each day.

" My sister and I were also able to visit him on occasions too.

“As time passed, Dad’s cancer progressed rapidly and it became apparent that he would spend his last days under the amazing care of the hospice.

“I will always remember the care that my Dad, and us as a family, received from all the staff at the hospice with great fondness.

"They treated my Dad with dignity and respect and supported my mum, sister and myself every step of the way.

“Dad was at peace when he left us and that was mainly down to the hospice and being able to be with us when he needed us the most.”

Seeing the "fantastic work" done by the hospice staff first hand, Amanda decided she wanted to do what she could to support the charity.

Amanda decided to sign up for the hospice's "20km in 2020" fundraising challenge, which in the end raised more than £400 for the hospice.

Initially planning to complete the challenge in small instalments, Amanda ended up surprising herself by completing it in two 10k runs.

"The whole time I was running I was inspired by my Dad’s outlook on life and how positive he was in such a sad time for us all as a family," she said.

“The hospice is a much needed lifeline for the community and relies on the generosity of the wider community to fund the care the patients need.

"I couldn’t think of a more deserved charity to raise money for and I will continue to in memory of my amazing Dad.

“Dad was the strength in our family and the one who would push us to believe in ourselves and what we are capable of. I am so proud that I was able to complete this challenge before he passed."

The challenge can be completed in any way - walking, cycling or running - and has been one of the ways in which Eden Valley Hospice and its children's hospice, Jigsaw, has sought to raise vital funds in the midst of a challenging financial situation brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amanda's fundraising efforts can still be donated to here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amanda-lowis.

If you would like to host your own fundraising event in aid of Eden Valley Hospice, visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org, email fundraising@edenvalleyhospice.org or contact the fundraising team on 01228 810801.