Rosies new challenge in memory of Clive (From Western Telegraph)

Rosies new challenge in memory of Clive

AUTHOR and adventurer Rosie Swale Pope has sailed around the world, run across the Sahara Desert, Iceland, Cuba and Kosovo, ridden the length of Chile and walked most of Wales, among numerous other achievements.

But she faces one of her most emotional challenges on Sunday. Ten weeks after the death of her husband Clive from prostate cancer, she takes part in the Cardiff Marathon to raise money for Ward 10, of Withybush Hospital.

Clive spent a considerable time on the ward, with Rosie often staying the night in a sleeping bag on the floor. Clive was incredibly brave and so are all in Ward 10. As for the nurses, it moves me to tears to think of them, she said.

They go so very far beyond all call of professional duty to love and care for each of their patients and families. I practically thought of Ward 10 as my home for the months Clive was very ill. I will never forget the laughter and jokes as well as the comfort with which the nurses made our lives easier. Above all it meant more to me than I can ever say that they did everything to grant his last wish, and mine, for him to come home. They taught me how to look after Clive at home, where he died.

He always said Heaven was Pembrokeshire and he loved Tenby. His coffin was carried by a horse drawn carriage through the streets of the town.

Rosie explained: Im running the marathon because I want to do something to say thank you to Ward 10. I know Clive would want that. I also want to make a gesture towards people still battling against cancer. Rosie has already raised £800 towards the purchase of an industrial washing machine for Ward 10.

I need to raise £1,000 and if there is more it can be used to purchase something else as well. It is only a small gesture in the face of all they have done for Clive, me and many others. Its impossible to name nurses because they are all wonderful. But I would like to mention Dr Anne Barnes - her bright cheery clothes, her tenderness, sense of sparkling fun and brilliant work, she said.

As well as seeking sponsorship, Rosie will be out with her collecting box in Haverfordwest and Tenby today and tomorrow (Wednesday and Thursday) and Friday.

q Rosie will be cheered on at the Cardiff Marathon finishing line on Sunday by members of the HOPE MS Therapy Centre at Honeyborough, Neyland.

About nine of them are hiring a bus and coming along with their collecting buckets, said Rosie. I might end up finishing on all fours, but it will be lovely to see them there. They want to help me raise money because one of their members - George Terry, of Llangwm, who had multiple sclerosis for 20 years - actually died of prostate cancer. It emphasises how important it is for everyone to get themselves checked out.