Late last year, I lost a very good friend and valued client, Simon Toole, to cancer.

Simon worked for many years at Par Petroleum, where he built a reputation for integrity, loyalty and doing things properly. He was professional, dependable and someone you could always trust.

Away from business, Simon was the life and soul of the party. He had that rare ability to light up a room, bring people together and make everyone feel welcome. Big-hearted, generous and fiercely proud of his family, he lived fully — and he is deeply missed.

In his final weeks, Simon spent time at and was cared for with extraordinary compassion by St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham. The care and dignity they provided — not just to Simon, but to his family — was remarkable. End of life care is something none of us want to think about, but when it matters most, places like St Cuthbert’s make an immeasurable difference.

When Simon began having difficulty resting at night, The Hospice took him in for respite care. He was reluctant at first and feared he might never return home.  However, once Simon arrived at the hospice, he felt immediately at ease. The staff and volunteers took  care of him, and the peaceful environment was welcoming to visitors at any hour of the day or night — even pets. His family were also able to rest, and they too were fed and supported throughout. During his stay, the team spoke with him about end‑of‑life care, and he chose to return to the hospice if he needed further support.

After a short time at home it was decided it was time for Simon to return to the hospice but he passed peacefully at home on the day he was due to be admitted.

Simon was always an active supporter of the hospice himself.

After speaking with Simon’s family, I’ve decided to take on the Fred Whitton Challenge | Britain’s Premiere Sportive this May in his memory and raise money for St Cuthbert’s Hospice.

The organisers of the event describe it as:

“112 miles on the toughest route in Britain. We make no bones about the ride, it is hard, and will probably be the hardest one day ride you will ever complete. It will take a lot of effort and willpower to finish the event, please don’t take it lightly, and don’t attempt it if it’s your first sportive.”

It’s straight through, up, over and around the Lake District, taking in Kirkstone Pass, Honister Pass, Newlands Pass, Whinlatter Pass, Hardknott Pass and Wrynose Pass ending with the cheeky and unforgiveable Blea Tarn Climb — over 10,000 feet of climbing. Relentless gradients. Brutally steep in places. A proper test of endurance and resilience.

You can read more here Fred Whitton Challenge | Britain’s Premiere Sportive

It feels fitting. A tough challenge, in honour of someone who fought a tough battle with real courage.

If you feel able to support, I would be hugely grateful for any donation — from friends and family, clients of Park Commercial and Capital Corporate Risks, and our commercial partners, suppliers and insurance partners.  I’m not proud – we will take cash from anywhere.

More than anything, this is about remembering Simon in a positive and meaningful way, and supporting a hospice that does incredible work for families.

Thankyou to Par Petroleum for agreeing to sponsor my jersey – Picture to follow!

The fundraising link is here – please give what you can. David Park is fundraising for St Cuthbert’s Hospice

Here are a few numbers to give you an idea of the challenges the Hospice faces in todays tough world.

• Total Annual Expenditure – £4.8M
• Annual Government support £1.3M
• Annual Income from hospice shops and lottery £1.8M
• Minimum additional annual fundraising requirement £1.4M
• Annual cost to run The Living Well Centre – £136K
• Annual cost to run the CST sessions supporting Dementia patients £22K
• Daily cost of all Care Services £2.4K.
• £10 will pay for arts and crafts supplies for a child to make a memory box
• £25 will pay to help the hospice to support someone newly diagnosed with a life-limiting illness
• £50 will help The Hospice to provide one hour of specialist nursing care on our In-Patient Unit for a person with a life-limiting illness
• £100 could help more patients access St Cuthbert’s Hospice to benefit their health and wellbeing
• £150 could fund physiotherapy treatments that help patients with their breathing and movement to overcome pain
• £200 could help fund a Jigsaw Project Day for children who have experienced a bereavement

Thank you for taking the time to read this — and thank you for any support you’re able to give, every single penny will be appreciated.