A DAD from Mickleover has completed his twelfth marathon of the year – finishing his incredible effort at the hospice which cared for his much-loved father.
Forty-one-year-old Matt Ceiley, a mental health nurse, decided to embark on the challenge of running a marathon a month throughout 2021 in memory of Dad Michael, who died just over a week after his cancer diagnosis in May 2020.
Matt and his family – sister Sarah (50) and his 48-year-old brother Steve – were only just coming to terms with the death of their mum Joanna earlier in the year, when Michael died.
Matt said: “Mum had early onset vascular dementia and dad had been her carer for many years. She died in January 2020, just before Covid hit.
“Dad had been complaining of pains which we were all worried about. But by the time he was diagnosed, his cancer was terminal.
Matt Ceiley has completed 12 marathons in 2021 in memory of his dad Michael.
Picture: Treetops Hospice
“Everything happened very fast. When dad found out he didn’t have long left, he was very insistent that he wanted to spend his last few days at home and for us to look after him.
“The whole family pulled together. But it became evident, very quickly, that it wasn’t going to be simple looking after him at home.”
Treetops provided nursing care through their Hospice at Home Service and, albeit brief, it was most welcome for Matt and his family – particularly as Matt, also a keyworker, was working throughout the pandemic when his dad was ill.
“When a loved one is ill, as a family you think that you can take on everything,” said Matt, “but you just can’t. It’s physical and emotional, and it’s somebody that you love, which makes it a lot harder.
“My sister Sarah is also a nurse and she moved in with dad when he was poorly but there were times when she needed to rest, too. Dad needed care overnight and pain relief, too; the Treetops nurses provided that, which we really appreciated.
“When the Hospice at Home nurses saw how quickly dad was going downhill, we had them every night. We couldn’t have managed without them.
“All the nurses were so compassionate, professional and knowledgeable, and very conscious of being in someone else’s home and being respectful. It was so important and meant we could trust their night-time care, get some rest and be there with dad at the end.”
Michael died just five days after coming home, aged 73.
Matt is a keen runner and says that, during a difficult year, getting out in the fresh air helped to keep his mental health in check.
“Running helps to clear my head and I’d done the odd marathon in the past,” said Matt.
“Charities have suffered financially during the pandemic and this challenge, completing a marathon every month for 12 months, helps to raise vital funds for Treetops Hospice – and it helps me mentally, too.”
Matt’s first run, on New Year’s Day, saw him complete a circular loop from his Mickleover home, passing places which had special meaning to him.
He said: “Obviously, there were restrictions in place at the start of the year due to Covid, so I couldn’t venture out too far.
“My first marathon run was done close to home, ending at my brother’s house in Spondon, so that I could wave at him. Restrictions were even tighter in February, so I did smaller loops around Mickleover where my wife Sally and son Marvin (14) would keep me going by providing drinks and gels to give me energy.”
By March, the UK was emerging from a third national lockdown and Matt was able to go further afield, taking on the Three Peaks and the Great North Run, pounding the picturesque Cleveland Way and, in October, Matt ran the Loch Ness marathon in Scotland.
His final marathon took place in mid-December, starting and finishing at Risley-based Treetops.
“It was an emotional run,” said Matt, “but I had lots of family and friends there to support me.
“Marvin ran part of the marathon with me, maybe three miles or so, and we’ve raised an incredible amount of money for Treetops Hospice, almost £3,800 so far – although we’re hoping to get a little bit more.
“Treetops helped me and my family when we needed it the most. It’s only when you need these services that you realise how vital they are. This is my way of giving back.”
Cheryl Morris, Treetops community relationships manager, said:
“Matt is amazing in taking on this huge challenge for us. We want to thank him so much for every single marathon he’s completed and for raising such a fabulous amount.
“With Matt’s help we can continue to provide support and care to local people who really need us. Thank you!”
Matt’s Just Giving fundraising page can be found online here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mattceileyandfriends
Feeling inspired? Those who would like to fundraise for Treetops Hospice should contact the Community Relationships Team on 0115 949 1264 or head to the Treetops website for more information: www.treetops.org.uk
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