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Josh, who lives in South Bristol, recently took on an epic solo ultra marathon in memory of his Nan, Mary, who helped raise him.

Mary passed away in October 2023 after living with multiple sclerosis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Josh took on the 120km run in 24 hours to raise awareness of the importance of end-of-life care and the support provided by hospices.

"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," said Josh. "A dignified and comfortable death is so, so important and that's why I did this challenge. It's what my Nan would've wanted me to do."

Josh lived with Mary and his mum Lisa after his parents divorced when he was young. "She picked me up from school, cooked my tea and helped raise me," he said. Mary's symptoms became more difficult to manage later in life, and she then moved in with Josh and his wife.

As her health declined, Josh became her informal carer – driving her to appointments, collecting medication and helping her wherever he could. "I didn’t realise it at the time, but I was a carer. We were all doing what we could to help her, but we weren't professionals, we had no idea what to do really."

By 2020 Mary was bedbound, in and out of hospital and suffering with pain and bed sores. "It was a constant cycle of pain and being sent home," Josh recalls. "Between myself, my mum, wife and 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 the St Peter's Nurses 48 hours before she died. Josh said that within an hour of them arriving, the whole situation improved, and the family could breathe a sigh of relief. "It put us at ease knowing she was being looked after, and it allowed us to say goodbye to her peacefully."

Mary died aged 85, the day after her daughter's 60th birthday. Lisa had been encouraged by her mum to go and visit her brother in Australia and it was during this trip that Mary passed away. "I'm sure Nan waited for my Mum to go on her trip, it was meant to be that way," said Josh.

Now, Josh has channelled his grief into action raising money for the Hospice, whose support in those final hours made a huge difference.

To support Josh's journey and donate, visit: Fundraiser by Joshua Galea: Running 120km in 24hrs

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