Blackpool carer running to raise money for Trinity Hospice in memory of charitable mum

Julie Dean, 56, of Hemingway in South Shore, said caring came naturally to her family.

Her mum Doreen Smith MBE was a Fylde coast charity mogul, setting up the Broadwater estate's Dream Scheme community group for youngsters in Fleetwood, and played a pivotal role in the founding of former Fleetwood charity Refurb (Wyre and Fylde), Julie said.

Mrs Smith was awarded an MBE from the Queen for her services to charity, before she died of cancer at the age of 75, on December 20, 2019.

Not unaccustomed to fundraising herself, Julie has previously raised money for Broadwater Dream Scheme, PDSA, and for a dementia garden at Thornton House care home, where she works.

"We're really a family who cares a lot about other people and do what we can," Julie said.

"My mum helped to keep kids off the streets, and she would do so much for others. She was awarded an MBE for her services to charity in 2009.

"She was diagnosed with cancer three months before she died, but I told my dad I didn't want to know which kind of cancer she had.

"Trinity Hospice was just amazing through it all. My mum spent two weeks in Trinity after leaving Blackpool Victoria Hospital, but she wanted to come home after finding out she only had a few months left.

"They helped us look after her, we had carers coming to check on my dad and make sure he was okay as well.

"We owe them so much thanks and I hope that by hitting my target of 500 kilometres I can raise enough money for them to say thank you."

Julie has raised a total of £605 so far, and has around 198 miles left to run.

You can donate to Julie's fundraiser and help her to raise money for the Hospice here.