30/03/2026
Our supporter Jack Coldicott shares about why he’s taking on the 2026 Great Birmingham Run as well as the Brighton Marathon in memory of his mum, Kay:
“Running has become a way for me to process things and channel my energy into something positive. I’m also running the Brighton Marathon earlier in the year, and both events are part of my effort to raise funds and awareness for the hospice. It felt important to do something that challenges me personally while supporting a place that helped my mum and so many other families.
“The care my mum received from Birmingham Hospice was exceptional. What stood out most was the kindness and dignity the staff showed her every day. They didn’t just care for her medically – they cared for her as a person, and they supported our whole family through an incredibly difficult time.
“My mum had spent much of her life working as a nurse herself, caring for other people. Seeing her receive that same compassion and professionalism in her final days meant a great deal to our family.
“Two particular members of staff stand out in my mind. One nurse could see how much it meant to my mum to have her nails painted. She sat with her and carefully painted them while chatting with her, giving her that bit of normality and dignity. It might seem like a small thing, but in that moment it meant the world to my mum, and to us as a family.
“Another nurse was with us in the early hours when my mum passed away. She gently asked if we wanted her to stay in the room during those final moments. I ended up sharing stories about my mum while we sat there, and the nurse’s calm reassurance and presence made an enormous difference to how I experienced and processed that moment.
“My biggest advice for fundraising would be to tell your story. People connect with genuine reasons for why you’re fundraising, and once they understand the “why”, they really want to support you.
“Don’t be afraid to ask either. Share your fundraising page, talk about what you’re doing, and keep people updated on your progress. People enjoy feeling like they’re part of the journey.
“One thing my mum used to say was “small steps, one foot in front of the other.” when dealing with her health issues. That really applies to running. When you look at the full distance it can feel overwhelming, but if you break it down into smaller, manageable goals it becomes much more achievable. Focus on the next run, the next mile, the next step.
“Running these miles is my small way of saying thank you to the people who cared for my mum when we needed them most.”
To find out more about the Great Birmingham Run, please visit our website: https://www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/events/gbr-2/
