Nurse’s bike trip in memory of patients who died at Hospice Halifax in 2020

Kate Mason’s 108 km ride from Lunenburg to Halifax is also a fundraiser for the end-of-life care facility

HALIFAXtoday\ Meghan Groff

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A registered nurse is gearing up for a big day Friday.

Kate Mason will be cycling 108 km from Lunenburg to Halifax along the Rails-to-Trails path in honour of the 108 patients who died at Hospice Halifax in 2020.

“We are actually the first hospice here in Nova Scotia, and as a registered nurse here, I certainly see the impact we’re having,” she told NEWS 95.7’s The Todd Veinotte Show.

“Folk who are navigating the end of their life are able to come here and receive 24-hour nursing care seven days a week, as well as a whole compliment of special services, from our social work team to music therapy,” she explained.

Mason’s journey is also a fundraiser. The 10-bed, end-of-life care facility in the south end gets half of its funding through the Nova Scotia Health Authority and relies on donations for the rest.

Its hoped this year’s ride will surpass last year’s total of $27,000.

RBC Dominion Securities will be matching every $50 sponsorship of a kilometre and there are other incentives as well.

“For $20 you could put a song on my ride playlist … you could donate to get me to ride in a turkey costume for part of my ride, I don’t think anyone’s donated yet to get me dye my hair in red and blue hospice racing stripes, and you can get your name on my ride helmet,” she added.

More information can be found online and people can follow the ride through Facebook and Instagram.