A 47 year old woman from Sandy in Bedfordshire has travelled 5,035 miles across the world to trek the Great Wall of China and help raise vital funds for the hospice where she works.
Louise Baxter, an administration assistant at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice Palliative Care Hub, has just returned from the once in a lifetime trek in support of Bedfordshire families needing the support of the hospice.
She said, “It was just such a fabulous experience. A real eye opener! It was a huge challenge, but I knew I would do it as I was just so determined to help raise funds for families needing our care.”
“I feel a huge sense of achievement that I did it, and the experience will stay with me forever. When we finally got to the three province marker we sat facing outwards overlooking the incredible view in complete silence. There was not one sound. It was total peace and quiet. We sat still and reflected on what we were doing this for.”
“There were 30 of us on the trip all together and we’ve stayed in touch. We’re arranging to meet up for a walk back here in the UK. I’ve made friends for life.”
“I spoke to my neighbour about what I was doing when I signed up and she was so inspired she joined me on the trek too. When we got home she bought me a big bunch of flowers to say thank you for mentioning it to her as it was such an experience of a lifetime.”
Louise was inspired to take on the charity fundraising trek to support the Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger. She was joined by hospice volunteer Colin Close and husband and wife David and Angela Fosbrook who all chose to trek and raise funds for the hospice.
Together the fabulous fundraising foursome have so far raised over £4,100 which could pay for the expert and compassionate palliative care given by a Sue Ryder Nurse for 29 days, supporting people to live the best lives they possibly can.
Louise added, “I am privileged to see the hospice from the other side in my job and our Sue Ryder Nurses and care team do an amazing job supporting people in Bedfordshire. This inspired me to help support the hospice as much as I can.”
“It was my first time ever doing something like this, let alone abroad, but my sense of adventure and the amazing challenge spurred me on. I don’t think it will be my last adventure now either!”
Louise adds, “I hope that through our fundraising the hospice is able to give more care to more people in our local area. And if there is anyone else out there considering taking on something like this I say just do it. It has been an experience of a lifetime. ”
If you feel inspired to take on a challenge in support of your local hospice like Louise visit www.sueryder.org/events to find details on future treks to see the Northern Lights, the Grand Canyon, the Sahara Desert and Machu Picchu.
For more information on Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice visit www.sueryder.org/stjohns
