The death of a loved one is something that most people face in their lifetime and often struggle with the journey and aftermath of it all. Myself and my family are all too familiar with this, as we tragically lost our Mum, Jo Kirk, in August 2023 aged 51. I say our Mum, but she was a Mum to many. She was someone you turn to in a hard time and always did her best to help you.

The words “It’s terminal” still ring in our ears and the doctor described the severity of her brain cancer (Glioblastoma) in what seemed a horrific nightmare. Although she managed to fight so valiantly for 9 months she finally succumbed and drifted away surrounded by all her children and family.

Nobody prepares you to go through the grief and anguish you experience after. A sense of hopelessness and the unknown washes over you. However, when you stumble, which undoubtedly you will, there’s a group of amazing people who hold out their hands and help you back up. These are the wonderful people of Blythe House Hospice.

Blythe House supports families and individuals of any age and gender, with no discrimination, who face the terrible ordeal that we did. They provided counselling services, medical support and much much more. That is why I’ve decided to do my utmost to help them.

In March 2026 I will be trekking 50km across the Sahara Desert in aid of raising crucial funds to help them help those who have had their lives turned upside down by loss. This is not my first time raising funds and awareness for them, as in 2024 I completed a 100km ultramarathon walk across the Peak District over two days.

Although I may be doing the challenge, I need your help. This charity runs on donations and couldn’t provide their amazing services without them. I’m asking if you could spare as much or as little as you can to ensure other families receive the incredible support that we did.