Sisters walk in tribute to mum who died seven days after cancer diagnosis

Veronica Plant died last year, aged 68, after spending her final week in Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger.

Sisters Sarah and Mel Plant are now planning to join hundreds of people as they get set to take part in the hospice’s annual Starlight Hike Walk on Saturday, September 12.

They said: “The staff at St John’s were amazing. They made mum feel so welcome and nothing was too much trouble – we were able to make sure she was cared for ‘her way’ with dignity and respect.

“It’s been really hard since we lost mum but we want to do this for her and all the other people who are cared for at St John’s Hospice.”

Ms Plant died in October last year after being diagnosed with gallbladder cancer just seven days earlier.

Her daughters have been working hard to get themselves and their friends ready for the charity walk in Bedford.

Mel, 38, has been going for walks with her daughter after moving into a new home, while 41-­year-­old Sarah is going to the gym twice a week.

The reality of losing their mum was something that neither sister had ever planned for.

Sarah, who works as a registered nurse at Papworth Hospital, said: “Because it all happened so fast I still wake up thinking it’s just a dream, and mum will be there telling me about what she’s done in her garden.

“I am feeling much stronger now to cope with this and I am looking forward to it. Our mum had a great sense of humor and would want us to do this for others.

“Both of us have sent out our sponsor forms but we want to raise as much money as we can, we didn’t know that the care mum received was all free.”

St John’s Hospice provides care for people in Bedfordshire and bordering parts of Cambridgeshire, who are aged 18 or over.

“Mel said: “It’s a really worthwhile cause and we have lots of our friends supporting us. I know our mum will be looking over us during the walk and I’m sure it will be special evening.”

To sponsor the pair you can send donations to St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger, Bedford, MK44 3RJ.

Or donate on the sister’s just giving page at www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/teamveronica

The 5k and 10k race starts from the hospice on St John’s Road and takes walkers across the Bedfordshire countryside. Registration costs £20.

Towards the end of the walk, there will be a candlelit reflection zone and an opportunity to hang a dedication star on a memory tree.

There are still places left and you can sign up at www.sueryder.org/starlighthike/stjohns or call 01767 642 423.