Pilgrims hospice & Sammy’s journey

On the 4th October 2026 I will face my biggest challenge in the Barcelona Ironman. 2.4 mile Sea swim, 112 mile bike and finishing with a marathon 26.2 mile run. But not many people know my WHY?

Pilgrims hospice doesn’t just offer a bed to those at the very end of their lives. They offer support, comfort, dignity, compassion and care to those living with incurable illnesses and their families, to make everything just that little easier.

My extraordinary friend Sammy is one of these people. Sammy and I enjoy nothing more than swimming, biking and running (more often than not at 6am) .Together. With friends. Laughing and putting the world to rights. We had planned for many months to conquer Ironman Barcelona together. Post chemo for Sammy and post baby for me. It was THE goal. We made a pact early one morning and I promised her that when I say I will do something, I will. Unfortunately Sammy is just too poorly to join me and the rest of the plucky triers there. What I can do for Sammy is raise as much awareness to Sammy’s journey and how pilgrims are helping with that.

I experienced first hand the work that pilgrims hospice do to make the end of someone’s journey the most peaceful and comforting experience. When I think of pilgrims, I don’t feel sadness and I know that they will be there for Sammy and her family to provide that same peace and calm in those final weeks, days, moments, just as they were there for grandma and me.

Sammy loves nothing more than being outdoors and embracing a challenge. Whether that be out walking with her amazing family, hitting the ski slopes with her mum or running the prom with her copious amount of friends or simply WINNING a 50K ultra marathon trail race whilst embracing her terminal diagnosis - yes. That’s Sammys style! Everyone that knows Sammy will agree, She is the most positive, inspirational and beautifully kind person. If everyone had a Sammy in their lives the world would be a much happier, kinder and fun place.

It is for this reason that I have started this fundraiser, for Sammy’s story to be shared far and wide. Pilgrims is an incredible place, and they are supporting an incredible person. I just have the easy job of completing an Ironman to encourage everyone to donate so that they can carry on caring for people just like Sammy and her family!

Sammy’s journey, Sammy’s way. 🏊🏼‍♀️🚴🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

In June 2024 I spent 6 days at pilgrims hospice with my grandmother. The Love, care, dignity and compassion at this difficult time brought me and my family comfort that I didn’t think possible. Pilgrims hospice and their team have been there for those I love. Now I can try and give back. Please help me in my goal by donating what you can and sharing Sammy story in support of my friend, training partner, the strongest woman I know and in loving memory of my beautiful grandma Joan Gardiner.