I did it! Between 6 and 15 March I took part in a trek challenge in South Africa. I braved snakes and creepy crawlies, walked many miles in high temperatures and even did some white water rafting! It really was the trip of a lifetime and I'll never forget it. The trek took us to the Northern Cape, 480 km south west of Johannesburg where we saw wild animals including buffalo, springbok, zebra and giraffe.

It was all in aid of the fantastic St Luke’s Hospice in Basildon. It seems to me that hospices are wonderful places that we all hope we’ll never need. Like all hospices, St Luke’s is a very special place that provides expert care and comfort to people when they need it most. It is particularly dear to my heart as my Auntie Doreen was a patient there before she died in 2004, and my lovely friend Eileen (‘smiley Eileen’ as my mum calls her) works there as a nurse manager. I know she brings a ray of sunshine, as well as tremendous expertise, to this fantastic place. 

And this is where you come in… When I signed up for the trek, I had to pledge to raise £3000. This was extremely daunting but, by the end of October 2007, my family and friends had helped me raise about £2500 through a variety of events and sponsorship, and more than £500 on this website. I then upped my target to raise £600 on this page - any amount that you can donate here is much appreciated. Thank you to everyone who has donated and helped along the way.   

It has been a privilege to raise much-needed funds for this great cause. When the trek was tough-going, I thought of Doreen and how much she valued St Luke's and its staff. Thank you very much for sponsoring me. 

Louise x