Running the Bath Half for Dorothy House in Helen’s memory – Toby’s story

On 2 July, 2024, Toby’s wife Helen died at Dorothy House’s Inpatient Unit. Diagnosed with breast cancer, Helen spent her final weeks being cared for at the Hospice. Toby has decided to run the Bath Half Marathon in Helen’s memory for Dorothy House.

Toby’s story

“The experience of Helen’s illness was obviously very difficult, but was made infinitely more manageable with Dorothy House’s support.

Helen was a very ambitious, driven person; she worked as a public health consultant. She was very altruistic, committed to her job and to doing the best she could in her projects for children and society. She was also a devoted mum to her two boys. While she worked hard in her career, she didn’t let that bleed in to her time with her own children. Helen was the oldest of three sisters and everyone went to her for advice. She didn’t suffer fools but was very kind; she called people out but had their best interests at heart.”

Helen’s time at Dorothy House

“Helen felt very safe at the Dorothy House Inpatient Unit. She was originally being treated at the Royal United Hospital (RUH), but it’s a very busy hospital and she could be waiting a long time for pain relief. At the Hospice, she felt confident about her pain management. Winsley House and its grounds were a nice place to spend time. My children were made to feel very welcome, and we were able to spend the night at the Hospice so we could be there for Helen when she needed us. It was a home from home. We were able to trust that any needs Helen had, would be met.

Running the Bath Half for Dorothy House

I’m relatively new to running. I took up running when Helen was diagnosed – it was an outlet for my grief and helped with both my physical and mental health. It’s been really good for me to be able to focus on training and exercise. I have to fit it in around a full time job and my family, which is difficult, but I’m much better now than I was. It was quite daunting to start with, but I I found control through running in a life that had become devoid of control.

I’d like to complete the Bath Half Marathon in 1 hour 45 minutes, but Bath is pretty hilly so I need to get some training in! I’m aiming to raise as much as possible for Dorothy House; I’d be thrilled if I managed £500, so every donation, large or small, can make a difference.

How you can donate

Just click here to find out how you can support Toby’s Bath Half Marathon fundraising for Dorothy House and follow Toby’s training updates!