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We are taking part in a moderate to challenging 100km trek, in the remote and beautiful hills of Northern Vietnam, in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, to raise funds for Willen Hospice as a way to give something back in appreciation for everything they did for our mum during her stays at the hospice. Willen Hospice is a charity which provides specialist care for those life limited illnesses (like terminal cancer) and support for their families / friends.

We grew up with unconditional love, thoughtfulness that knew no boundaries, and so much fun, that shaped our spirits. This year marks the tenth year that we lost our mum, who gave us all that and more. She made sure to build a fortress of a family so that we could hold ourselves together when, she, the true binding of it could no longer be with us.

Her biggest love and joy came from the family but her appreciation for life extended far - out into her garden (her passion) and the fields around (for all our 'short walks') to the ocean (her true love) and out into other countries.

We all travelled far from a very young age and although mum never crossed India on an elephant (the one thing she always said she was going to do but never did, thankfully) it seems fitting that we would visit another country in her memory and to raise money for the hospice where she took her last breath.

Mum died aged 55 from Skin Cancer, she was an amazing lady, full of energy and love. Mum faced the end of her life with grace and immense courage. She chose not to depart from her home as she wanted only the happy memories left there. Instead, she chose Willen hospice. She stayed at the hospice a couple of times near the end of her life, however, during her final stay at the hospice, the family spent almost a week "camped out" at the hospice so we would all be at her side at the end. Sadly, on 30th January 2007, she passed away, with her husband and 6 children by her side. The staff at Willen Hospice were very accommodating during this time; they allowed us to take over one of the relative's rooms, provided a camp bed and allowed us to use the facilities there. They cared about her and although could not offer the ocean, she did have a peaceful view of the lake.

My big sis has been an inspiration in trying to bring something positive out of the heartbreak. She has been fundraising for years. While I could never bring myself to run a marathon with her, Tara's latest idea, trekking in Vietnam, is something I can certainly do.

So we would greatly appreciate your donation so that the hospice can continue to support families in the future, the same way we were supported and to honour of our truly fabulous mum and all of our loved ones who are with us only in spirit, but whose memories we treasure forever.

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.