Jeff is a member of The Trekking Troublemakers, a Hike for Hospice team that raises funds each year to support end-of-life and bereavement care. Victoria Hospice recently asked Jeff to share a little of why fundraising for Hike is important to him. This is his story.
My Dad was a tradesman, artist, friend, and Father. He was like a best friend to me, and always prioritized time together doing things I liked.
What I admired most about him was his sense of commitment and devotion to things that were important to him. He was someone who saw things through in the best way he could, even if they were difficult for him. I’m a parent now and with that I have a deeper appreciation of the effort it would’ve taken him to be the Dad he was for me.
He was diagnosed with colon cancer when I was 16, and my brother was 14. Unfortunately, despite a successful surgery, the cancer spread and he died two years later.
It was hard to balance being a teenager and managing the severity of the circumstances but in some ways I feel thankful for that period in my life. Not only because of the time we spent together but also because it taught me a lot about what is important and how I wanted to live my own life.
My Dad’s Mom (my Grandma) went through Hospice before her passing, and the quality of care and compassion she received meant a lot to him. He was a stained-glass artist and felt that the window he designed for Hospice (pictured) would be a meaningful way to honour her, and the care she received.
In terms of raising money for Hike for Hospice, it hasn’t been too hard to get donations! Most people in my family and social circle have been really happy to support when I’ve reached out. I think many people know someone who has been through or interacted with Hospice and are happy to support.