We are trekking to Everest Base Camp in December 2019 and have decided to raise funds for Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough.

Our team: James Tyler, Sam Tyler and me - Andy Small 

As many of you will know Jane and I lost our beautiful daughter Ella aged 22 on the 4th May 2018. Ella was admitted to hospital in late April where she spent 10 days battling to fight off Pneumonia. Whilst we saw signs of improvement and hoped for the best, unfortunately the doctors were unable to do anything to stabilise Ella’s condition and she eventually lost her battle on the morning of the 4th May, a date that will forever remind us of the heartbreak we felt and still feel at losing Ella.

Ella was rarely seen without a smile, a truly inspirational daughter loved by everyone that got to know her and the absolute linchpin of our family, words really cannot describe the loss we feel. A true fighter, it felt only right that we challenge ourselves to reach Everest Base Camp and raise funds for Rainbows in her memory.

Rainbows were an absolute saviour to us during those early days following Ella’s passing, supporting us with the arrangements and providing a familiar and peaceful place for Ella to rest until her funeral. We were able to visit Ella whenever we felt the need and spent some very happy but emotional times saying our goodbyes and ridiculous as it sounds enjoying the time we spent with Ella. These times were never easy and involved many tearful moments, through all of this the Rainbows team cared for Ella in such a dignified way and ensured even as she slept she was cared for and loved.

Rainbows also provided care for the rest of the family including Ella’s siblings, Jane and I as well as our wider family. Ella’s siblings have received bereavement counselling and support, we have been welcomed into the bereaved families group and know that we can always call on the Rainbows team for help and support should we need it.

The day before Ella’s funeral my Mum, Sally, also passed away. Due to Mums love for Ella and her passionate fundraising efforts for Rainbows we are also trekking in her memory and to honour her support for Rainbows.

Whilst we appreciate that you will all get many requests for sponsorship, and all will be great causes, we hope you are able to spare a pound or two and support our challenge. Every penny really does help. 

Please visit https://www.rainbows.co.uk/  to read more about the great work Rainbows do and the help they provide to so many families like ours.

 Thank you for taking the time to read our story.