A determined fundraiser is planning to complete a “12 Medals for Mum” challenge throughout 2025 in memory of his mother.

Andrew Straughan is taking part in the gruelling trials to raise money for Walsall’s Goscote Hospice, where his mother Christine Straughan died in November last year.

The 47-year-old aims to complete 12 challenges throughout this year, including Leeds Half Marathon, Leeds Tough Mudder, Manchester Half Marathon and a Lands End to John O’Groats Virtual Challenge, all while raising funds for Well Wishers which is Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity.

Christine spent time at Walsall Manor Hospital before being moved to Goscote Hospice five days before her death after being diagnosed with Epithelial Stromal Sarcoma – a type of rare cancer – which had unfortunately spread and was terminal.

Andrew said: “The care my mum (and the family) received in that short space of time was amazing and I can’t speak highly enough of everyone, who did everything they could to make both her and everyone who was with her for those final days as comfortable as possible.

“The Nursing staff were always happy to help and advise and were generous with their time and energy and the Doctors really made an effort to make sure we understand what was happening and what we could expect to see as things developed, which was hugely comforting as we approached the end of my mum’s life as we knew she wasn’t suffering.

“My mum gave a huge amount of her time to others through the local community and her work, including being a Nurse herself.

“I felt it was really important to do something that meant I had to give my time and effort to help the Walsall Palliative Care Centre to continue to do what they do.” 

Andrew is currently training six days a week in an effort to build up distance and be fit enough to complete but also enjoy the challenges he has set himself.

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager for Well Wishers, said: “Andrew is taking on a huge challenge, and we are looking forward to following his progress throughout the year and wish him all the best.

“We would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him all the best over the year. His efforts will be hugely appreciated by the staff and patients.”  

You can donate and follow Andrew’s 12 Medals for Mum challenge via his Just Giving page – https://www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-straughan-12medalsformum