Hello! Thank you for visiting my page! My name is Trudy and I’m taking part in the three peaks challenge (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon) for Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal in memory of my dear friends’ daughter, Penny.

I had the pleasure of meeting Penny’s dad, Joe, in 2023 when we worked together at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Through him, I met Becky and since then, the two of them have been such special friends to me.

When I was told that Penny was on the way I let out a tear of joy, as these two were surely to be the best parents ever (which I was right about)! However sometimes life decides to throw twists and turns and after a 20 week scan it was clear Penny was going to be an extremely special baby.

Penny had a rare condition called TGA (Transmission of the Great Artery) which meant she would have to undergo major heart surgery very shortly after she was born. Following complications of this surgery, Penny passed away four months later, just after Christmas.

During her four months in hospital, not only did Joe and Becky give their daughter as much love as humanly possible, but the Grand Appeal supplied music therapists, art sessions and accommodation which helped to give Penny the best experience and allowed the three of them to really feel like a family. Without the Grand Appeal, Joe and Becky wouldn’t have treasured keepsakes of Penny, nor would Joe have had the encouragement from music therapist, Claire, to bring his ukulele and sing and write songs for Penny on the ward. Towards the end of Penny’s life, Joe and Becky were given accommodation closer to the hospital, without which would have made an already hard situation even more difficult.

I unfortunately didn’t get to meet Penny, but I felt like I met her through stories from Joe and Becky and the wonderful photos which lit up my phone during the winter. It’s hard to explain, but this beautiful girl made me re-evaluate the things that really matter in life and touched my heart in a way I struggle to put into words.

I’ve always been a big fan of the outdoors and wanted to try this challenge, but now it finally feels like the right time to give it a go - for reason so close to my heart. Myself, Joe, and some other members of Penny’s family will be doing this challenge together, which falls just a few days before Penny’s first birthday. I will also be doing as many other big hikes as I can before this challenge to help raise as much awareness as I can for Penny! If you can give anything to help this wonderful charity which enriches the lives of children who have an alternative start to life I would be so grateful!

Lots of love,

Trudy xx