Dewsbury raises over £3k for good cause after deaths of brother, mum and sister within 13 months

Stephen Conway, 42, ran 86 miles fom Hartlepool on August 29 and completely the feat three days later on August 31 at Dewsbury Town Hall.

The challenge, which saw him raise over £3,200 so far, was taken up by Mr Conway after the death of his mum, brother, both sisters, and his aunt within a 13-month period.

He said: “In December 2016 my mum received the news she had metastatic breast cancer. It wasn’t curable, but it was treatable.

“My sister Sheena was with her when she received the news, and from that point on remained at her side for every appointment.

“15 months into mum’s treatment, Sheena, 37, suddenly died in her sleep.

Mr Conway’s brother Shaun travelled from Hartlepool to be with the family in Dewsbury after the death of Sheena.

However, he would soon lose his brother whose chest infection developed into Sepsis.

“He was rushed to Pinderfields Hospital where he was moved to intensive care on life support.

“On March 20th, one day after we buried Sheena, his life support was switched off and he died on March 21.

“Mum, tired of fighting and broken by the loss of two children, decided she couldn’t fight any longer. She refused all further treatment.

“It was during those last few weeks Kirkwood Hospice were able to grant her final wishes; making her comfortable and allowing her the dignity she so rightly deserved.”

“She gave us 11 months, never complaining through her grief or pain, before passing away peacefully on February 25 2019.

When I look back at the 13 months it took to destroy my family, it’s like listening to someone else talk about it – I still can’t quite believe it.

“I struggle with guilt; did I fail Sheena? Did I forget about her when Shaun went into hospital? Did I spend enough time with Shaun? Why didn’t I press Mum to continue with her treatment? Did I tell her I loved her enough in those final few days? The list goes on.

“I’m getting there day by day, but have decided to raise money for Kirkwood Hospice to give them something back.”

As well as the Gofundme page, a further £695 was given by Mr Conway's sponsors from work, Morley Glass and Glazing.

If you would like to donate, visit: Stevie's Run for Kirkwood