In October 2026, I’ll be taking on the challenge of a lifetime — a trek through the Indian Himalayas — to raise vital funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice. I’ll be joined by two of my colleagues, as well as participants from five other leading children’s hospices across the UK.

Together, we’re aiming to maximise fundraising, raise awareness of the importance of hospice care for children and young people, and share our knowledge to enhance support for children and young people with life-limiting and life threatening conditions and their families.

The trip will last nine days, including a four-day trek through the Himalayas foothills around Dharamshala the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama, reaching altitudes of up to 2842m at Triund, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense forests and remote mountain villages. I’ll be walking around 14km a day over tough and varied terrain, through hills. At night I’ll be camping, with limited facilities, freshening up in streams and rivers. It’s going to be a huge personal challenge! But it’s all for an amazing charity.

I’ve worked at Acorns as a paediatric palliative care nurse for nearly 10 years, and I see first-hand how vital the funds raised through events like this are. They directly support the children, young adults, and families we care for. To continue providing this 24hr specialist care, we rely heavily on donations and fundraising.

I need to raise a minimum £3990 and I would be incredibly grateful if you could support me by donating — every pound makes a difference.

I’ve got a lot (and I mean a lot, yes I’m that unfit) of training to do between now and October 2026—so please wish me luck, and thank you for being part of this journey!