East Lancashire Hospice

72 year old Pat's challenge of a lifetime!

When seventy two year old Pat Foster decided to take on a challenge, she surprised everyone who knows her by choosing to walk the Great Wall of China!

Pat from Lower Darwen, has been a volunteer at East Lancashire Hospice twice a week for the past seven years and whilst doing her shift in the fundraising office, heard a discussion about a new event – The China Trek and went home thinking about it. She was still thinking about it when she attended her sewing class the morning after so called to see her daughter Nicola and son in law Chris on her way home. They were over the moon when they heard and encouraged her to register.

In addition to volunteering at the hospice, Pat also takes part every week in Aqua-Aerobics, Couch to 5k and Be Strong For Keep Fit that she feels will help her when walking the 38km in September this year.

Pat said, “When I heard about the China Trek I thought that would be a great challenge to set myself. I know that walking 38km over 6 days will be challenging and some days will be tough but the hospice will benefit from the sponsorship raised.’

‘Before I joined the hospice as a volunteer, I had no connections with it  but I have friends who have had cancer and my youngest daughter Joanne who is now thankfully clear, had ovarian cancer 13 years ago so supporting the hospice is my way of putting something back – I feel very privileged to be able to contribute towards it.”

“When I saw that you had to commit to raising £1350 sponsorship for the Trek, I was worried how I would raise that amount but I only started in November and although I have some way to go before I reach my target, I have already raised £900 by holding a coffee morning at Beechwood Haven Café that included a tombola and family and friends sponsoring me. Everyone has been very supportive, the café don’t usually open on Saturdays but after I told them what I was doing when I called in for a coffee, they happily agreed to open up for the event as the money is going to such a worthwhile charity.”

“I would definitely encourage others to take on the challenge and not to be afraid of the sponsorship, by organising a small event and getting friends and family involved, it’s easier than you think. I will be 73 when I do the walk and am really looking forward to saying - I did that, I walked the Great Wall of China.”

If you would like to donate to Pats challenge visit https://­www.­justgiving.­com/­fundraising/­pat-foster or for more information on how to take part in the China Trek click here

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