“Unless you need end of life care you don’t really pay attention to it”
Chris Mangar, St Christopher’s Clinical Team Lead
St Christopher’s Clinical Team Lead Chris Mangar enjoys the close relationships he builds with patients and families in their own homes while also enjoying the autonomy of working out in the community. Equally, despite not being a fan of riding in big groups, he’s looking forward to the camaraderie of the Palace to Palace cycle ride to Paris he’s signed up for.
Having lived and worked in South-East London all his life, with an uncle who worked at the hospice for years and experienced the care his grandfather received on its wards, Chris Mangar knows more than most the valuable role St Christopher’s plays and the vital need to raise money to pay for its wide-ranging services.
Even with all that experience and knowledge, it wasn’t until Chris started working as a community nurse at the hospice 11 years ago that he came to understand the extent of its financial dependency on charitable donations.
“Even I didn’t realise how much we rely on charitable income.”
“Unless you need end of life care you don’t really pay attention to it,” adds Chris who now manages one of three community nursing teams in Bromley.
“That’s why I feel it’s so important to raise the profile of St Christopher’s. And I’d say to anyone who enjoys riding a bike – come and have fun, meet some people and be part of a big group travelling together to raise awareness and vital money so we can continue to provide the best care to as many people as possible at the end of life. Even I didn’t realise how much we rely on charitable income.”
“It can be brutal when you can’t see the horizon and I’ll need something to help me dig deep. So, I’ll be thinking about two lots of people.
I have to do myself proud for all those that have generously donated – colleagues, friends, family, volunteers and parents at my kids’ school. And then, by the nature of the work, there are lots of people we meet and care for that leave an impression on you which is incredibly humbling. I really value the relationships I make and I know the care we give people makes a difference.”
Chris spoke more about the Palace to Palace challenge and the funding issues hospices are facing when he featured on BBC London news recently.
Chris, who was born and raised in Eltham and worked in Lewisham for many years, has already put a good dent into his chosen fundraising target of £4,000. This included a bake sale at St Christopher’s Orpington hospice in December which helped raise £387. With a quiz night planned between now and September and following the fundraising support and ideas provided by the fundraising team he’s confident he’ll reach the mark.
Training has just begun and includes his regular six-mile commute from home in Bexley and the dreaded Sidcup Hill.
With longer weekend routes lined up for the next few months and the prospect of an old friend signing up to join him on the four-day ride from Crystal Palace to the Palace of Versailles, Chris feels ready for the challenge.
“I was keen to do the Amsterdam ride a few years ago but had a three-month old baby. Everyone came back buzzing from that trip, so I’m really excited about this. I feel if you work in palliative care, you have a kind of responsibility to raise its profile. If I can also raise some much-needed money and get fitter in the process, then that’s brilliant.”
Chris has already drawn attention to the challenge and the funding issues hospices are facing as he featured on BBC London news earlier this year.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and chatting on the way as well as seeing the sights and having a bit of mind space. To be honest though I don’t really like cycling in groups, but we’ll all naturally find our own pace in smaller groups. It’s not a race, and the moments of reflection in the saddle are very peaceful.
Having witnessed the good care his grandfather received and knowing the cause he’s cycling for, it looks certain Chris, armed with some extra padded shorts, will put in a right royal effort to make it to Paris and overcome that challenge.
If you’d like to join Chris and dozens of others pedalling for pounds Palace to Palace, simply click below to find out how.
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