A team of family and friends are lacing up their walking boots next week for a 45-mile hike across three Yorkshire valleys in aid of national healthcare charity Sue Ryder.
The intrepid hikers are taking on the challenge in memory of Alison Fort, who received expert palliative care and support at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope near Keighley before she died in October 2022 aged 65.
“Our grieving has not been easy. However, it would have undoubtedly been even harder had it not been for the first-class care provided by the whole team at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice,” said Alison’s son, Jonny.
“The team of nurses and doctors provided round-the-clock care for mum and much-needed support for our family – especially for my dad who stayed with her the whole time she was there. They even let us host a champagne party in her room at her request!”
While Alison was in the hospice, Jonny and his dad discussed how they would like to raise money to support Sue Ryder as a way of giving back and saying thank you.
“During those final weeks, I spent a lot of time travelling between our family home in Burnsall and the hospice – and I suddenly thought what a great challenge it would be to walk from Burnsall to Manorlands and back again.
“Mum and dad both thought it was a fantastic idea. It’s not until I looked at the map later that I realised just how far it was!”
The team taking part in ‘Big Walk for Mum’, which is expected to include 10-15 family members and friends, will leave the Red Lion Hotel in Burnsall at 9pm on Friday, June 9. They estimate that they will cover approximately 45 miles of fairly challenging terrain, crossing the Wharfe Valley, Aire Valley and Worth Valley twice.
“The aim is to be at the hospice for bacon sandwiches in the morning before we do the whole thing again in reverse,” said Jonny. “We hope to be back at the Red Lion Hotel by 6pm on Saturday, and hopefully in a fit state for a few well-deserved pints!”
Jonny shares that although this will be a big mental and physical challenge, knowing that they are doing this for a cause close to their hearts will spur them on.
“None of us have ever done anything like this before, but my dad, sister and I are determined to do the entire thing. We just need to keep going – just one step after another.
“Walking through the Wharfe Valley will be particularly poignant as it reminds me of one of my last memories of mum. She loved the outdoors and on the way from the hospital to the hospice the ambulance stopped at The Chevin so she could have one last chance to look out over the valley. It was a special moment, and I will definitely be thinking of her during that part of the route.
“Nothing we do will bring mum back and we miss her desperately, but we can’t speak more highly of the team at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and in her memory would like to raise as much money as possible for the charity.”
The family has already raised over £5,000 for Sue Ryder’s expert palliative care and bereavement support from concerts held in Alison’s memory. So far, the walk has raised an additional £5,000.
To donate to their fundraising page, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jonny-fort-1673621481312
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