11-year-old cycles 32 miles and raises £5k as thank you for Nannie’s care

On Saturday 8th August, a boy from Stevenage took part in a community cycling event. So far, he has raised £5,125 in sponsorship for our Hospice, who are currently caring for his Nannie.

11-year-old Frankie Tooley-Banks completed Kerry’s Annual Charity Bike Ride in aid of Garden House Hospice Care. His Nannie, Ann, is currently receiving care on the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit for specialist symptom control and pain management relating to a stage four cancer diagnosis.

11-year-old Frankie Tooley and his Nannie, Ann

Frankie shared:

“Whenever I come to Garden House to see my Nannie, it feels like a family. Everyone is so kind to her and to us, and it’s a really heartwarming place. I took part in the bike ride to say thank you for looking after her so well. It was such a fun day and I felt proud and enjoyed doing it with my family and friends. I am over the moon to have completed the ride whilst raising as much money as we have for the charity.”

Frankie’s youngest sister, Rosie, 6, also finished in a tag-along to their dad Peter’s bike and middle sister, Darcie, 9, managed to complete 20 miles on her own. The specialist care Ann has received at the Hospice meant she was well enough to leave for a few hours to cheer them on.

6-year-old Rosie, 11-year-old Frankie, Nannie Ann, Dad Peter and 9-year-old Darcie

Ann spoke highly of the care she has received at Garden House and shared how proud she is of her grandchildren:

“Being so well looked after during my time here has shown me just how invaluable this place truly is to our community. The extraordinary level of support and compassion the staff offer is exceptional. I am really proud of Frankie, Darcie and Rosie for completing the challenge and raising so much money for the Garden House Hospice Care.”

Ahead of the event, the Hospice’s Rehab and Wellbeing team transformed their on-site gym into a space for the family to create banners for the event. This small gesture allowed them to spend quality time together, which might not have been possible if Ann was being cared for elsewhere.

11-year-old Frankie, Nannie Ann, Mum Hannah, Granddad David, 9-year-old Darcie, Auntie Meryl and 6-year-old Rosie creating their banner for the cycling event

Hannah Tooley, Ann’s daughter and Frankie’s mum, shared:

“Knowing that mum is eligible for hospice care made us all realise they are about so much more than end-of-life care - they are about helping people live well for as long as they can with their diagnosis.

“We’re such a close-knit family and everyone goes out of their way to make it feel like a family here too. For instance, it’s mum’s second stay on the Inpatient Unit and the nurses welcomed her back with hugs and knew her by name. My dad’s also been able to stay by her side overnight, which has been a massive reassurance for us all.

“Frankie loved doing the bike ride this year alongside his sisters and dad and fundraising for such an amazing charity. We only set a target of £500 initially and can’t believe it’s now over £5,000! I’m super proud of them all. It was a wonderful and inspiring day and an honour to support Garden House Hospice Care and thank them for the care they are giving mum.”

 
Frankie’s fundraising page is still accepting donations: justgiving.com/page/frankie-t-b.