St Luke's first came into my life when my grandad was diagnosed with cancer, some 20 years ago. Following hospital treatment St Luke's cared for grandad as an outpatient for several years - he took part in many new activites, even learning to paint at the age of 73!!

When the time came, grandad was admitted as an inpatient where he was given comfort and dignity in his final days. As a 20-something granddaughter I was terrified of going into the hospice, but once through the doors felt a sense of warmth, happiness even - not at all what i had expected.

St Luke's was again invaluable in 2004 when my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer at 50. Throughout the long period of treatment they provided weekly relaxation sessions which gave mum the chance to "escape" for a few hours each week.

Mum recovered from the cancer and has been an amazing mum and grandmother, being a huge part of her 5 grandchildren's early years, something we thought at one time might not happen.

If you've read this far...well done and thank you!

So Im doing the trek for my grandad and for my mum who is my hero. Im doing it to help St Luke's provide the care my family have received to others at what can only be described as the hardest times of life.

A little bit about St Luke's:

Since 1988, St Luke’s has been providing palliative care to local people, supporting them in ways which go beyond the scope and funding of the NHS. Last year we supported over 1,000 local people with a huge range of support from end of life care on our ward to supporting carers, and from helping children cope with grief to helping patients return to work after an illness.

We are a charity and provide all our care for free, so we rely on the generosity and commitment of our supporters to raise more than 80% of our costs.