Bucks family supports hospice festive fun run
"We wouldn't have coped without the support of the Rennie Grove Peace nurses”
An Amersham woman whose mum was cared for by Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is encouraging local people to sign up for the charity's Rudolph Run this December.
After experiencing first-hand the support the charity provides to families facing the most difficult of times, Olivia Hale took part in the festive fundraiser last year and is now urging others to join her in helping raise vital funds for local hospice care.
After Olivia's mum, Amanda - who lived in Prestwood - was diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2024, she was cared for by the Rennie Grove Peace team in the weeks before her death in June 2025.
Following a sudden deterioration in her condition and a short stay in hospital, Amanda returned home, where nurses from Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care helped ensure she was comfortable and supported.
Olivia said: "The first Rennie Grove Peace nurse arrived the morning after mum came home from hospital and immediately put us at ease. She made sure mum had the pain relief she needed and helped us understand what was happening.
As her mum's condition worsened, Olivia and her family regularly relied on the charity's nursing team for advice and support.
She said: "Throughout those final days, we made many phone calls and every single time someone was with us incredibly quickly. They reassured mum, reassured us and helped us with whatever we needed. Nothing ever seemed like too much trouble and they made everything seem that little bit more bearable."
When Amanda died, the support continued.
Olivia says: "Mum passed away in the early hours of the morning and we didn't know what to do. We contacted Rennie Grove Peace and one of the nurses was with us within half an hour. She talked us through everything calmly and slowly and told us about the bereavement support available too.
"We wouldn't have coped without the support of the Rennie Grove Peace nurses."
Wanting to give something back, Olivia first signed up for the charity's Rudolph Run in 2025 and is encouraging others to join her at this year’s event.
Taking place in St Albans on Sunday 6 December, the festive fun run invites people of all ages and abilities to walk or run either a 1.5km or 5km route through the city centre. Participants are encouraged to wear Christmas jumpers, antlers or festive fancy dress to complete the route and seek sponsorship to raise vital funds.
Olivia said: "The care and support we received meant so much to our family. Taking part in the Rudolph Run last year was a lovely way to remember mum and give something back. I’m looking forward to doing it again this year! I would encourage anyone to sign up. It's a fantastic event and every pound raised helps families like ours receive the support they need."
The money raised by events like the Rudolph Run is used to fund Rennie Grove Peace services within Buckinghamshire and West Hertfordshire.
To find out more or sign up for this year's Rudolph Run, visit renniegrovepeace.org/RR2026