A MAN from Whitchurch is aiming to complete a solo ultra marathon in memory of his nan who helped raise him.

Josh Galea, 31, will run the 120 kilometres in 24 hours to raise awareness of the importance of palliative care and the support provided by hospices. He is also looking to raise money for the charity St Peter’s Hospice in the hope that other families can receive the same palliative care his grandmother had.

His grandmother, Mary Lerway, passed away in October 2023 after a prolonged end-of-life journey.

Mary was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in her teens and multiple sclerosis at 50 and later in life when her symptoms became more difficult to manage, she moved in with Lisa and Josh.

As her health declined, Josh became her informal carer - driving her to appointments, collecting medication, and helping however he could.

Josh said: “Unfortunately, the end of my Nan’s life was very difficult, not only for her, but also for the wider family who had to care for her.

“A dignified and comfortable death is so, so important and that’s why I’m doing this challenge. It’s what my Nan would have wanted me to do.”

Josh lived with Mary and his mum Lisa after his parents divorced when he was young. Describing how his Nan helped, Josh said: “She picked me up from school, cooked my tea, and helped raise me.”

By 2020 Mary was bedbound, in and out of hospital and suffering with pain and bed sores. The family struggled through a harrowing 12-month period where she was effectively end-of-life.

Josh said: “It was a constant cycle of pain and being sent home. Between myself, my mum, my wife and my stepdad we did our best but none of us are medically trained and we were almost too close to the situation."

Mary was first seen by nurses from St Peter’s Hospice 48 hours before she died, and Josh said that within an hour of them arriving the whole situation improved and the family could breathe a sigh of relief.

Now, Josh is channelling his grief into action. On October 25 and 26 he will run an incredible 120km in 24 hours to raise money for St Peter’s Hospice, whose support in those final hours made a difference.

He said: “I couldn’t even run 5km not so long ago so to be training for an ultra marathon is a big deal for me.

“I’ve had no choice but to train as I’m not a runner, I hate running in fact. I spent my whole life playing ice hockey for Bristol but I had to stop when I started caring for Nan. My biggest win so far has been 50km in one go – I’m completely winging it.”

Josh is raising money for St Peter’s Hospice, which provides care to people with life-limiting illnesses. It costs £30,000 to run the Hospice every day but all care is provided to patients and families free of charge.

Those wanting to donate to Josh’s fundraiser can do so on GoFundMe.