On Saturday 6 June, I’ll be taking part in the 17‑mile Midnight Walk 2026 to raise money for St Catherine’s Hospice.

St Catherine’s Hospice provides specialist end‑of‑life care and support to people living with terminal or life‑limiting conditions, as well as vital support to their families. Each year, they care for around 2,000 people across West Sussex and East Surrey.

My lovely mum, Annette, was one of those people.

Over the last few years, as she bravely lived with small bowel cancer, Mum was supported at home by the incredible St Catherine’s community team. In the final months of her life, she was cared for as an inpatient at the hospice, where the compassion, skill and kindness of the staff made an immeasurable difference.

They ensured Mum was comfortable, that her pain was well managed, and that she was able to retain her dignity at a time when illness so often threatens to take that away. Just as importantly, they supported me and my family, allowing us to spend precious time together simply as daughter, family and friends, not as carers.

While that period was unimaginably sad, it is thanks to St Catherine’s Hospice that I look back on it with gratitude, warmth and even fond memories. Their care gave us space to be present with Mum, right until the end.

I’m taking on this walk to say thank you, and to help ensure St Catherine’s can continue to offer the same compassion and support to other families when they need it most.

If you’re able to sponsor me, no matter the amount, I would be incredibly grateful. Your support will help St Catherine’s Hospice continue their amazing work for patients and families like ours.

Thank you so much for reading, for your kindness, and for helping me do this in Mum’s memory. 💛