Jenna Hudson is a Staff Nurse on our Inpatient Unit, and although she officially joined the team last August, her connection to East Lancashire Hospice goes back much further.
Almost ten years ago, Jenna volunteered with us, long before she began her nursing career. It was here that she discovered her passion for end‑of‑life care. When her grandad later received care in our Inpatient Unit, it strengthened her belief that this was where she wanted to be. She went away to train, qualify as a nurse, and always knew she would return one day.
“It’s a privilege to work here. Supporting patients, their friends and families at such a difficult time is humbling. Patients stay with you forever, and every moment matters,” says Jenna.
One of Jenna’s favourite things about working at the Hospice is the team around her. She describes her colleagues as supportive, uplifting and always there for one another; a team of people who give her the strength and encouragement to give her best to every patient, friend and family member she supports.
Even now, she still has moments where she can’t quite believe she gets to work at East Lancashire Hospice. She jokes about her “imposter syndrome” and occasional “pinch‑me moments”, but beneath the humour is a genuine sense of gratitude. From the very first day she volunteered almost a decade ago, she knew this was where she belonged. She talked about the Hospice constantly, told anyone who would listen how much she loved it, and even based her assignments and dissertations on end‑of‑life care. Her passion has always been here, and it shows in everything she does.
That deep connection is exactly what has inspired her to take on one of the most daring events on our fundraising calendar, the Wing Walk, despite not being a natural thrill seeker!
Jenna’s Wing Walk journey began as a light‑hearted conversation in the staff room. A colleague mentioned upcoming fundraising events, someone suggested the Three Peaks Challenge, and Jenna quickly replied, “Absolutely not… I’d rather jump out of a plane!”
Within minutes, her colleagues had taken her at her word, and before she knew it, she was signed up for a Wing Walk. She says she’s been inspired by the drive and passion of our Events Fundraiser, Lia, whose enthusiasm gave her the confidence to take on something so far outside her comfort zone.
The Wing Walk is a unique challenge where participants are safely secured to the top of a small, vintage aircraft as it takes off and soars through the skies. It’s certainly not something Jenna ever imagined doing, but she is determined to give back to the Hospice that means so much to her.
Jenna’s fundraising goal is to purchase Bluetooth speakers for every patient room, allowing families to play music that brings comfort, sparks memories and creates meaningful moments together. Through her work, she has seen first-hand the power of music and how a favourite song can calm, soothe and provide connection when words are difficult to find.
To help reach her target, Jenna has been busy exploring new fundraising ideas. The support she has received from friends, family, colleagues and her local community has been incredible.
Posters are displayed in her local pub, The Olive in Darwen, her hairdresser has a collection bucket in place, and friends are organising bake sales to support her efforts. Even families of patients have kindly donated to her fundraising page.
One particularly special gesture came from Elliott, the young son of one of her colleagues, who was so inspired by Jenna’s challenge that he painted her a picture for encouragement – something she says she will treasure forever.
Jenna is honest about how she feels. She is nervous, and the challenge is far outside her comfort zone. However, her commitment to supporting the Hospice outweighs any fears.
She has already said that if she reaches her fundraising target, she will take on the challenge again and request loops on her second flight!
“Give what you can and share it. So many people are helped by our services: counselling, CaST, and the Inpatient Unit. These services are essential, and they’re well worth supporting. The care here is above and beyond. When someone you love is at the end of life, this is exactly the care you would hope for them.” Shares Jenna.
This is what drives her to stand on top of a plane, walk miles, organise fundraisers, and encourage others to join her in making a difference.
If you’d like to help Jenna reach her target and support her mission to bring music, comfort and connection to every patient room, you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jenna-hudson-1
