Amin starts his bid to help those reaching the end of their race  

An Oldham fundraiser is set to pound the pavements for a 10 kilometre run in a bid to support Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Royton.

But Amin Babor Chowdhury has another aim with his Great Manchester run on May 31. Namely, to help ensure everyone is able to depart their life with dignity and decency. 

Around 290,000 people received palliative or end-of-life care in Britain last year. 

However, the organiser of a recent 100-mile challenge during Ramadan, said he has been left dismayed by figures showing that 9,000 other folks passed away alone – and were not discovered for over a week. 

“Death is still the great taboo whatever creed or faith you follow,” said Amin, “but it is something that is facing us all, and patients and families should be surrounded by comfort and assurance, as they are at Dr Kershaw’s. 

Good end-of-life care should involve assessing the needs and wishes of the individual and agreeing on a care plan that is ethical and agreeable to all. We are fortunate having Dr Kershaw’s - because clearly not everyone is able to experience that.” 

The other advantage Oldham has is a better sense of community than most places, believes Amin. “Families are so disparate these days and live literally thousands of miles apart, and so many are no longer able to pop-in and see how auntie is. This is less so in Oldham, and I want our example where we do look out for each other to be repeated elsewhere. That would make my efforts worthwhile!” 

Staged adjacent to the Royal Oldham Hospital, Dr Kershaw’s has a ten-bed unit in a tranquil environment and is open to all with life-limiting illness. But it also brings hospice care to people’s homes, an important factor for so many receiving end-of-life treatment. 

The AJ Bell Great Manchester run promises colour and liveliness around every street corner of its course, and Amin is preparing fully for his effort. Even if his usual pursuits are a little more sedentary – walking and cricket! 

Back Amin Babor Chowdhury’s fundraiser on behalf of Dr Kershaw’s by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/page/amin-chowdhury-2?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=WA