Friends to take a hike for hospice
A group of nine friends will be braving the heady heights of Ben Nevis this month to raise funds for East Lancashire Hospice in
memory of their friend’s father.
Stephen Parkinson, 62, passed away at the hospice on 21 March 2017 after being diagnosed with bladder cancer in September 2015.
After spending time at the hospice during her father’s two week stay, Stephen’s daughter Sarah wanted to give something back.
Sarah Bentley, 34, of Lower Darwen was speaking to friends about arranging a fitting tribute to her Dad, and the climb was suggested.
Four couples, including Sarah and her husband Chris, Kelly and Phil Harrison, Rob and Georgina Longman, Vicki Hargreaves, Nick Wild and Graham Kenyon will be part of the team ‘The Ben Nevis Nutters’. Stephen had also raised a lot of money for various charities in his lifetime.
On 26 Aug, the group are planning to climb the highest mountain in the UK. With a combined fundraising target of £3,500, they are
almost halfway there, with £1,500 being donated to date.
Sarah said: “I’ve never done anything like this before so have been training hard on Pendle Hill to get ready for the challenge – Ben
Nevis is more than five times the height of Pendle Hill so it’s a bit daunting but I’m excited.
“My nine-year-old daughter, Lilly, has been coming along for moral support and to help keep me motivated!
“My dad, Steve, had a really tough time throughout his illness. He was initially reluctant to go into the hospice as he felt it would be
‘too final’ however once he was there, he was so much happier and never once asked to come home.
“The staff at East Lancashire Hospice were amazing with the whole family and my Dad was incredibly lucky to receive the high-quality
end of life care provided by East Lancashire Hospice.
“I’d heard of the hospice before but never had any experience with them myself. Until you see it first-hand, it can be easy to underestimate
the work that they do and I just wanted to do something to help.”
You can donate via the Just Giving page:https://www.justgiving.com/teams/climbingbennevisforeastlancs