When I first registered for this challenge it was because I wanted to do something during the year that I turned 40 that I'd remember forever, something that no hangover could wipe away!

Little did I know that last year would be a year to remember for so many different reasons, not just the year I joined the chorus of 'life begins at 40'.

I have worked at St Margaret's for six years, over that time I've witnessed the love, care and support the teams offer thousands of people across Somerset each year. If you had asked me last January, I would have confidently told you I understood what St Margaret's means to so many people as well as my pride at working there and contributing even in the small way I do.

But I was wrong (I know it’s not often you'll hear me say that!), in November my wonderful godmother, Auntie Tine died under the loving care of St Margaret's and in the months leading up to her death I really saw what a difference St Margaret's makes.

In November 2019, we got the news 'that there was nothing more that they could do'. I hate that phrase because its not true, there is so much more that everyone can do, it might not change the outcome but it can certainly make the journey easier.

St Margaret's got involved straight away and one of our community nurses went to the house and made sure they knew where to get help if they felt they needed it. It was the perfect balance, while Tine was feeling well she didn't want to be reminded every two minutes that this may be short-lived, she just wanted to carry on as normal for as long as she could.

When the time came that things did start to change, it was seamless. St Margaret's worked with her GP and District Nurses and the care ramped up every time to meet Tine's needs.

In September, things were moving quickly and it was hard to watch as her symptoms started to take hold, that's when St Margaret's suggested some time at the hospice. I'll be honest, she seemed so poorly I thought that was it. But within days the doctors and nursing staff had improved the symptoms that were making her so poorly and a week later we were sat in her living room!

It was that afternoon that I realised, no matter how  many times I heard it, I didn't get how much it means to have the appropriate care and support, to enable people to not just become their symptoms. Tine was her usual self, we talked, gossiped and laughed. For me it was such a humbling experience as the very people she was talking about, that had worked so compassionately so she could enjoy her last weeks, I knew. I knew the names and the mannerisms she told me, I'd heard some of the jokes from their very lips myself, but all of a sudden rather than being my colleagues, they were these miracle workers who had given me extra time.

When it was time to go back to the hospice, it was different, we all knew that our afternoons sitting in the living room with the sun streaming in were over, but Tine was comfortable. She was thankful to be back with the people who had helped her as she knew no matter what was coming she'd feel safe and that Uncle A would have the support he needed and he was able to spend time with her, rather than the caring role he had been happy to take on.

I find it hard to explain quite how much love and appreciation I have for the hospice, as well as motivating me to do the best job I can, I want shout it from the rooftops. So now, this is not just a vain trek to prove to myself that turning 40 doesn't matter, this is my chance to shout it from three mountain tops.

I know there are a lot of asks out there, I know we are all facing challenging times as Coronavirus continues to cause, grief, loss and uncertainty but the care and support St Margaret's gave to Tine, Uncle A and myself isn't a one off. It didn't happen because of luck, it happened because 365 days a year, through a pandemic or not St Margaret's is there, there for thousands of people. There for patients, there for families, there for you.

So this care is never in doubt, if you can spare any cash to help push me up those mountains, you will all have my eternal gratitude.

And for everyone who does donate, I'm going to shout your name from those mountain tops!

Hollie x