After losing my mother to cancer last year, I found strength and inspiration from the compassion and care given to my mum through her last months by St Julias hospice

In honour of my mum, I’ve chosen to take on and will be kayaking the entire length of the River Danube — around 2,700 kilometres — to raise funds for the hospice that cared for her with such kindness and dignity.

The journey will begin in Germany’s Black Forest, carry me through eight countries, and conclude in Romania, where the Danube meets the Black Sea.

St Julia’s Hospices as a charity have less than 10% funding from the NHS, and rely heavily on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community groups support.