10 years ago, in 2012, my Daddy (JB) planned to climb Kilimanjaro for Isabel Hospice. That year, he received the devastating news that he had incurable Melanoma Cancer and his prognosis was bleak with just a few short weeks to live.  

Being the stubborn and determined man he was, for 9 whole years, he fought like a absolute trooper. He faced bigger battles, physically and mentally, than I can even begin to explain with words. Mentally, he still wanted to take on his hiking challenge, but unfortunately, physically, he was never well enough to. 

Last year, I said the hardest goodbye of my life and said goodnight to my Daddy for one last time. It was, without a doubt, the hardest time of my life, made manageable only by the help of the staff at Isabel Hospice. 

Before we said goodbye, I made a promise to my Daddy and said I would take on the challenge of Kilimanjaro for him. 

Of course, I promised this knowing full well that I am terrified of heights & I don’t think I will ever have the mental strength my Daddy had to help me get to the top. BUT what I do have, is two of the very best people in my life, who haven’t let me take on this challenge on my own. Becky & Pete. 

(You are both equal amounts of crazy, amazing… and questionably stupid for agreeing to do this with me. I absolutely don’t think I’d be able to attempt to do it without you - thank you.) 

So… THE CHALLENGE?! 

This year we, The Peaky Climbers (lol), are taking on the following:

Firstly, over the weekend of Fathers Day,  we are taking on the three peaks - Ben Nevis, Scarfel Pike and Snowdon, of course, we have opted to do this as the 24 hour challenge (because who would want to do it at a leisurely pace….?!)

Secondly, in October we are taking on Kilimanjaro. All 5,895 meters (19,341ft) climb of it. 

Some time between all of this, I turn 30. And, if I completely honest with myself, I don’t think I am ready for big celebrations without Daddy B being around. So it seemed like the best time to do something big, a personal challenge, whilst doing something positive for the team at Isabel Hospice who helped us when we needed it most…

If you’ve read this far, Thank you. 

If you would like to support us on our mission, in any way - advice/sponsorship/sharing our page and story/ anything! Please do and thank you!!

For those that have supported over the years and for the new supporters joining now. I am so grateful. 

Thank you ❤️

Isabel Hospice provides palliative support to the 370,000 people who live in eastern Hertfordshire.Hospice care is about helping people to live well for as long as possible and have a good death in the place of their choice when the time comes. Without your help, we could not make this possible for our patients and their families. Each year we care for approx 2,000 people but we know there are even more people that need our help.