Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

 What am I asking you for?

I'm completing an 8 day trek to help raise money for the Sussex Cancer Fund. The money is to help pay for the running costs of the new Cancer Support Centre to be built this year. This will be a great service for those effected by cancer

A little about me and why I am undertaking this challenge:

 I have been a nurse for the past 18 years and for the last 5 years the Matron for the Haematology/Oncology services at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. Beginning my career as a staff nurse in oncology and progressing through to management, I have found working in this specialty at times challenging but at the same time very rewarding because I have been very privileged to meet many courageous people while they are facing a very difficult period in their lives.

 

I have observed for myself how vital support services can be for cancer patients and their families while having to receive treatment and for the period subsequently.

 This will be also a mammoth personal challenge for me as this will be the first time I have completed such a challenge and I  have a fear of heights (I almost had to be carried down the steps of the  Arc de triomphe Paris when the elevator broke down) to prepare for this eight day trek across Jordon I will be starting a 6 month training programme to increase my fitness levels in preparation to complete the trek. I will also undertake some holistic therapy and training to overcome my fear of heights so I can achieve my goal of completing the challenge without having to be carried down the hills. 

 Why is the cancer Support centre needed?

It is a fact that the number of people in Sussex living with or beyond cancer is set to almost double by 2030. Macmillan estimate that there will be as many as 121,400 people directly affected by cancer IN SUSSEX ALONE. That’s 12.5% of the projected population.

 Macmillan cancer Support, the Sussex cancer Fund and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS trust have joined forces to create a new Cancer Support centre to offer cancer patients and their families such support.

 The need to offer non-clinical help and support to all these people and their families is huge, and that is exactly what the new Sussex Macmillan Cancer Support Centre will provide. The new support centre will uniquely offer all round support for cancer patients in a calm, friendly and non-medical environment. It plans to provide:

 specialist cancer information and advice;

•  welfare benefits advice; counselling services;

•  complementary therapies and physical activity support;

•  hair and skincare advice; practical support and dietary advice

• A space for self help and support groups.

 The centre will also link up existing information and support services across Sussex, to ensure that cancer patients, families, carers and friends in the county can find the support they need; at the time they need it most. This centre is not just for the patient but crucially for the patient’s family as well.

 What is the Task?

 As I have mentioned it is a 8 day trek across Jordon. This trek is being organised by a person who has been through their own journey with cancer only last year and he has enlisted 360Expeditions company to assist with organising the trip.

 Day one of the trek will begin in Amman- Jordon and ending 8 days later in Petra. The trip will need us to be woken up at around 0630am so we can start before the heat of the day and will involve going uphill’s and downhills. We will be expected to walk between 6 to 8 hour over undulating terrain carrying a pack up to 6kg in weight. There will be occasion to use hands as well as legs for short sections of easy scrambling. On the last day we will also walk up the 800 steps to view the vast and impressive Monastery (Deir), which enjoys fabulous views over the whole area and a mountain atmosphere.

 On the last day we have time to explore one of the most impressive and exciting sites of ancient history anywhere in the world. One option is to walk up to the High Place (Attuf Ridge), once the venue for sacrificial offerings, which gives wonderful views over the Petra Basin and out towards Jebel Harun and Wadi Sabra. Another reason to overcome my fear of heights!

 Should you require any more information please do contact me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my page and again thank you for any donation you are able to spare

Leigh Harvey J

 Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.