See the photograph of that beautiful lady? That's Ailsa Woodvine. She passed away on 21st January 2014 just a few days short of her 55th birthday.

All of her family and friends find it hard to believe that she's no longer here because she was such a vibrant, fun loving and positive person. The only thing that made what happened to Ailsa bearable was that her family and friends supported each other, as well as Ailsa, but also that her last two weeks were spent in Pendleside Hospice.

How is it possible to convey in words the cocoon of love and support that embraces you when you walk into the hospice as a visitor and even more so for the patients.  Some people think 'it's where you go to die'. Well, yes, this is sometimes the case but, if it is,  it's where you can go to die with dignity and with love. 

The atmosphere in the Hospice isn't one of continual sadness, it's interspersed with laughter, banter, friendship, companionship and support. When those tough times come as it did for Ailsa's family and friends the staff and the facilities there allowed people to be held emotionally and physically. 

Every day Ailsa said, 'I think I'm getting better'.  How brave was she?

So a group of her family and friends have decided to be brave too, so we can raise money for this marvellous organisation. Abseiling down Ilkely Quarry is going to be challenging for most of us but if Ailsa was able face her toughest challenge with a smile on her face then so can we.

All we are asking of you is to donate whatever you can, big or small, so that we can give something back to the Hospice so they can continue their work.

There are so many families out there needing the support of the Hospice, there just aren't enough of them and keeping the ones that do exist going is a constant challenge.

Hopefully you will never need the Hospice but I suspect that you know of someone that would have benefitted from their care. We all have our story. This is Ailsa's story.

She would have been astounded if she knew what we were planning for. As Keith, her husband, said when he used to ask Ailsa to go walking, her response would be 'I don't do 'up'.....I do flat'. 

Let's make her proud and ourselves too for giving back to an organisation that makes a difference. They made a difference to us.

Thank you :-)

If you want to text your donation please do so by sending the code and amount you wish to donate     NRLA57 £x to 70070