OUR CHARITIES

We are fundraising for two important charities;

Breast Cancer Now and Reuben’s Retreat

SONIA’s story

Standing at the foot of the world’s highest mountain, holds profound significance for me: My upbringing in the Peak District, exploring its paths with my mum and our faithful dogs, shaped my love for the great outdoors. Throughout the years, my family and I have cherished countless moments skiing, camping, cycling, and trekking in natural landscapes. As I’ve matured, I’ve come to recognise the hills and mountains are my true sanctuary, particularly during trying times. Seeking solace in their vastness and tranquillity has often been my salvation.

Losing my mum to Ovarian Cancer and discovering that I carry the same gene, (ovaries now removed) and twice being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, has been a sobering journey. Yet, I aim to demonstrate that life can and does go beyond cancer. Though it has touched my life, I refuse to be defined by it.

After trekking the Inca Trail in 2022 and summiting Kilimanjaro in 2023, 2024 is the year to stand at Everest Base Camp as a Breast Cancer survivor, with my own personal ‘rock/mountain!’ - my husband, James.

Rueben’s Retreat: Losing a young life must be quite frankly, the most difficult, life changing, heart shattering time in anyone’s life. Reuben’s Retreat, a Travel Counsellors’ charity, and now a cause close to my heart is in existence because of exactly this experience. Nicola Graham, the founder, set up this charity following the loss of her child – Rueben. Nicola and her staff work relentlessly to offer both practical and emotional support to families, including parents and siblings, who have suffered the loss of a child or have a child living with medical complexities. What they do is simply phenomenal. Despite the unwavering support of its volunteers and donors, the charity will always require financial assistance to continue its vital work. For Nicola, her family and everyone who works and helps others, I see so clearly a strength that admire and aspire to – true human spirit….

JAMES's story

Our journey to Everest Base Camp at 5,500m, holds a special significance for me. Having witnessed Sonia’s resilience in facing breast cancer diagnoses. I’ve seen firsthand her strength in navigating appointments, uncertainty, operations, treatments, and recovery.

Our trek to Everest Base Camp is only made possible by the valuable research and investments of charities like Breast Cancer Now. We both want to give something back and are seeking your support to aid others in overcoming this common yet challenging disease, ensuring more people receive effective treatment and the opportunity for a long and fulfilling life. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Breast Cancer Now is a charity focussed on changing the lives of those affected by breast cancer. The charity funds 80 research projects worth over £27 million and offers support services, trusted health information, and specialist nurses to help people navigate life with breast cancer. By working directly with people with breast cancer, they ensure their voices are heard by the government, NHS, drug companies, and other sponsors. It is a charity that helped Sonia when she needed it.

We would have ideally created a single fundraiser and evenly distribute the generous donations between the chosen charities. However, due to the platform limitations, this isn’t feasible. Hence, you have the freedom to select the charity you wish to support, but we kindly request that, if possible, the funds are distributed as evenly as possible among the two options.

Any amount, small or large, can make a huge difference in helping the charities reach its goals and continue to provide much-needed help to those in need … THANK YOU.

#grablife

Sonia & James xxx