Riding through grief: Tracy’s story

Former world champion’s tribute to her dad’s memory 

“I know this festive period will be particularly tough. What I keep hold of though are memories of the incredible love and care given to Dad, and us as a family, during those three weeks he spent at St Michael’s in January.”

Michael Moseley was Herefordshire born-and-bred; a farmer who spent his entire life working the family farm near Storridge.

“It brought him so much joy,” Tracy says. “He was proud of the animals reared on the farm; proud of the milk produced there; proud of the tidy countryside landscape he tended to. He was an integral part of the community who continued his farming duties until the day he came to stay at St Michael’s.”

Tracy says she would have preferred her dad to be home in his final days, but his pain became so severe that this was not possible. This is when St Michael’s stepped in.

“I know Dad was content to be there. He was amazed how helpful the staff were, and as Dad’s health deteriorated, that care just got better.From the moment we arrived, we felt at ease. The views of the rolling Herefordshire countryside struck a chord and helped him feel at home.”

This became Michael’s home for the last three weeks of his life. Tracy says she will always remember the care shown to her father, and the support given to her family.

She was so inspired that she returned to the saddle one sweltering day in June to complete the 205-mile Chase the Sun cycle challenge with three friends, raising £9,000 for St Michael’s.

“It pushed me to the limit, but I was determined to finish, Fundraising was my way of thanking St Michael’s for the incredible care they gave Dad. I just wanted to do something that would have made him proud.” said Tracy

Tracy is supporting our Christmas Draw which gives you the chance to win a tanzanite and diamond ring worth £4,300, plus other cash prizes.