In October 2027, I will be trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu as part of Team Blythe House Hospice, in memory of my mum Hayley.

In May 2024, Hayley was diagnosed with cancer, after years of illness. She undertook surgery and multiple rounds of chemotherapy to try and beat the odds. She died in February of this year, at the age of 53.

My mum never had an easy life (“until she met Nick”... my dad would like to add), but you never would have known this meeting her - she was the most kind and cheerful soul! She loved geography quizzes, carrots, Star Wars, the colour pink, VW campervans, slow-stitching, quoting obscure idioms, gathering knowledge, and drinking very milky earl grey tea in a huge mug. While undergoing cancer treatment, she started a master’s degree, pursuing her dream of going back to uni and hoping to gain a PhD one day. She only completed one assignment before she died, but she gained a 92% grade. She was as clever and enthusiastic as she was empathetic and kind.

There is a hole in the world now that she is gone. My dad, siblings and I have lost an incredible emotional support and the loveliest friend. Multiple relatives and friends have told us they routinely ask themselves “what would Hayley do?” when trying to be gentler or more patient. She has truly left a legacy of love.

I am raising money in aid of Blythe House Hospice, who care for people with terminal illnesses and their loved ones across North Derbyshire. They are based in my home town, Chapel-en-le-Frith, and they have provided free counselling to my whole family of six, as well as being an amazing support and guide to my mum. Their palliative care consultant, nurses, and counsellors took the time to get to know Mum and always centred her humanity, and were only a phone call away with expertise and care when we had questions or concerns. Their out-of-hours roaming car service is one of the reasons she was able to stay at home surrounded by her family. It’s hard to put into words how much this meant to us all.

I feel this trek is an opportunity to create something beautiful out of something so horrible. Blythe House is mostly run through community fundraising and I would love to help other families get the same support mine has. In a society that hides from death and grief, Blythe House is somewhere you can feel normal, and seen.

Thank you for your support ♡ bring on Peru!!

Daisy