A charity like Butterwick Hospice relies on the generosity of our community to help raise vital funds that support the day-to-day running of our hospices in Stockton and Bishop Auckland.
One of the most popular ways people fundraise for us is by taking part in the Great North Run—an incredible annual event covering 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields. Many runners secure charity places to support causes close to their hearts.
For Maisie Johnson, this is more than just a half marathon. It is her way of honouring her Mam’s final words – “live life pure, honest and very kind” – and giving back to Butterwick Hospice.
Maisie shared her story with us:
“My Mam, Karen, chose to go into Butterwick Hospice last year following a long battle with cancer. She was there for about three weeks before she died in June. The care she received from everyone at Butterwick was nothing short of amazing. She was treated with such kindness, dignity and compassion. I have no other words to describe the staff other than incredible.
It felt like they really got to know my mam in the short time she was there, and nothing ever felt like too much to ask. After such a difficult cancer journey, being at Butterwick made the last three weeks of her life more peaceful. It meant that myself, my dad, and even her little dog Dougal at times, could be with her and share those precious final moments that now mean so much to me.
Not only were the team amazing while she was there, but they have continued to support me since she passed. I’ve been receiving counselling from Karen, which has helped me navigate my grief and supported me through such a difficult loss.”
Maisie, a 33-year-old secondary school teacher who enjoys camping, walking and paddleboarding, describes the challenge ahead as significant:
“This is a massive challenge for me. Before signing up, I would definitely have classed myself as a non-runner, although I used to run in my 20s. I’m really looking forward to pushing myself and completing it—and doing it alongside my husband, who is running with me.
Training is going well. I started with smaller goals like 5k and 10k, and I’m building up from there. Now the weather is improving, I’m really enjoying getting outside. I find it therapeutic to put my headphones on and focus on nothing but the run.”
Everyone at Butterwick Hospice would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Maisie and her husband for taking on the Great North Run in support of our care. Their dedication, strength and compassion truly mean the world to us.
Supporters like Maisie enable us to continue providing specialist care, comfort and dignity to patients and their families during the most difficult times. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment and generosity, and we will be cheering them on every step of the way as they take on this remarkable challenge in September.
If you would like to support Maisie on her fundraising journey and help us continue delivering our vital services across Stockton and Bishop Auckland, you can donate via her page here
