Meet Sarah…

When Sarah Croft completed the London Marathon in April 2024 to raise money for Dougie Mac, it was the memories of her family members who had been cared for by the hospice that kept her going as she tackled the 26-mile route.

Sarah explained, “My husband’s Nan, Edith Pickin and my Godmother, Marj Herald were both well cared for in their last few months by Dougie Mac, but it was the loss of my Sister-in-Law, Carole McGowan in 2003, which made Dougie Mac especially close to mine and my family’s hearts.   

“Carole was just 35 years old when she became ill. The doctors thought that she had food poisoning and then they said that she had gastro problems. This was in 2002. She became worse, lost a lot of weight and it was in the Autumn of 2002 that she was diagnosed with Stomach cancer. She underwent chemo as the doctors wanted to shrink the tumour before operating, and it did shrink the mass somewhat. At this point we’d reached late spring / summer of 2003 and she’d improved in health slightly. She’d started driving again and going out for walks. However after her next scan, the news wasn’t so great. The tumour had grown.”

Carole was referred to Dougie Mac for support with her pain management.

“As soon as Carole was admitted to Dougie Mac her health changed. The team made everyone feel relaxed and you could see it in Carole straight away. The team at Dougie Mac changed her medication and this made a big difference in terms of pain relief and her comfort. They just knew what to do and it took the stress away from everyone.

“I’d never been to a hospice before and I assumed it would be like a hospital, which it is to some degree, but it’s much more comfortable, relaxed and the staff have more time for you and the patients. Carole and my brother, Graham, were planning to renew their wedding vows but she became too ill to go to Whitmore Church so the team at Dougie Mac jumped on it and arranged for the ceremony to take place at Dougie Mac.”

Carole stayed at Dougie Mac for a couple of months until she passed away later in 2003. She was 36 years old and left behind her husband, 2 year-old twin daughters and her 7 year-old son. 

“The team at Dougie Mac were a pillar of strength to Carole and our whole family during her last few weeks, and while she was at the hospice. Nothing was too much trouble. They were so caring and helpful to us all, and it made our final time together special so we could just be in the moment for her.”

In April 2024, Sarah ran the London Marathon to raise money for Dougie Mac in memory of Carole and her other family members. She raised a phenomenal £5663.13.

Sarah added, “I’m astonished how generous everyone has been. I took the marathon place late, only 3 months before the London Marathon and I never thought that I’d raise so much in such little time. Within a week of accepting my London Marathon place my Dad had a cardiac arrest and unfortunately passed away just over a week later.

“Finding the motivation to train and run was tough. I had to dig deep to carry on the training and the fundraising. Everyone has been a tremendous strength at such a tough time and the thought of others gave me the encouragement to continue. Marathon day itself was a whirlwind of emotions, fear, nerves, excitement and sorrow for those who are no longer with us. I feel so humbled by everyone’s generosity and I hope the money raised goes towards supporting those who need it most.”