Growing up I was blessed with the type of childhood that you see in the movies. Although I was extremely close with both of my parents, I was 100% daddy’s little girl, he was my best friend, in December 2011 everything changed, my dad was diagnosed with cancer and our whole world got flipped upside down, 9 weeks after being diagnosed he passed away. To say that my family was broken would be an understatement. The thought of life without him just really wasn’t life at all. In the last few weeks of his life he was taken care of at Phyllis Tuckwell hospice and without their support an already heart-breaking situation would have been made 100x worse.

For over 35 years Phyllis Tuckwell hospice has been supporting and caring for patients and families in West Surrey & North East Hampshire who have been dealt with the heart-breaking news that their loved one is going to die. They rely on the support of donations as they have to raise over £20,000 every single day just to carry out their incredible services. 

After taking on the challenge of a sponsored swim a few years ago and raising £1,000, I will now be abseiling down the 114m high ArcelorMittal Orbit in May this year, as you can imagine this is a massive massive challenge physically and mentally, but 10000% worth it for the difference the money raised will make, I want to be able to give back to Phyllis Tuckwell after they gave so much to me and my family. Above all, I am doing this is in memory of my incredible daddy, who really did make the world a better place and through his strength and courage was an inspiration to us all. If he can fight such a painful illness for 9 weeks without showing any fear, then I owe it to him to do the same when I stand at the top of that tower on the 4th of May.

So please, take a moment to think of how you would feel if it was your loved one in that situation, even the smallest amount can make the biggest difference.

You will never ever be forgotten daddy, I promise you that, the mark you made on the world will last forever, I hope I grow up to be half the person you were. You were and always will be my hero, love you forever, love your little sweetpea💜