In October 2026, I'll be going to trek the Inca Trail in Peru to raise vital funds for Overgate Hospice - a place that has touched my life in so many ways, both personally and professionally.

Overgate has been there for my family for decades. Thirty years ago I flew home from America, where I was spending the summer before university, and went straight to Overgate to spend special final time with my grandma. 6 years ago I was at the hospital with my dad when the call was made to try and get him to Overgate, sadly that wasn't to be. And now my auntie is accessing our day hospice care following her diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), the support that our family receives has been nothing short of a lifeline at a time when it felt like no one else could help.

Alongside these personal experiences, I have the privilege of working at Overgate. Every day I see and feel the difference the hospice makes.

The care Overgate provides is free for everyone that needs it, but it comes at a cost. When I head to Peru next years the new inpatient building will be open, it is going to be an amazing facility, but we need to continue to raise funds to ensure that the doors always remain open for future generations.

Being part of the Income Generation team, I know how much every single penny matters - we raise them, we count them, and we make sure every penny has impact.

In 2023 I signed up to climb mount Kilimanjaro in memory of dad. It was my first ever trek and it was a massive one! In June 2024 i stood at the summit, exhausted, exhilarated, crying and laughing but so very proud to have taken on the challenge of a lifetime and to have raised a truly wonderful amount for Overgate. An amount that I know wholeheartedly made a difference. It was one if the best things I've ever achieved and if I'm being honest something that gave me my confidence back after losing my dad.

The Inca trail trek will be a completely different challenge but one that will once again push me to my limits, we will be at high altitude from the start, there are lots of steep steps and my knees are going to hate me over and over again. I must be a little bit crazy, but I feel taking part is the best way that I can do my personal bit again for Overgate.

Next year also happens to be my 50th birthday (how did that happen!). Working at Overgate, I'm often reminded that life can be short and time is so precious. So for that reason i'm going to really make my 50th year count.

I don't want cards, presents or a party, i just want the support of friends and family to help me reach this fundraising target to ensure that Overgate can be there for families like mine and yours , when they need it most Together we can make sure this incredible care is here for the next 50 years and beyond!

With heartfelt thanks and love for visiting my JustGiving page.

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