Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As many of you may know, I have worked at Keech for the best part of 20 years. I first started as a weekend cook at the hospice, I was then offered a full time roll - still within the kitchen. After a number of years it became apparent to me that I really wanted to move into the care side of Keech, but I was so frightened to be around people who were dying. To try to overcome this fear, I became a volunteer in the adult in patient unit at Keech. I felt so lucky when a job became available for a health Care Assistant on the unit and I knew at this point that's where I wanted to be. And here I am, 20 years later as an Assistant Practitioner on the adult unit , and signed up to trek the Great Wall of China!! 

To be honest, I am totally scared to do this challenge, I don't do outdoors activities, I have never done anything like this before in my life! To say this a personal challenge just doesn't cover it. When I think of the challenge, I don't think of it as me being brave, it is the bravery of the  patients and their families that is always on my mind. I have supported many patients at end of life care and each one holds a special place in my heart.

I am so grateful for anything you may be able to sponsor me - however big or small.

Did you know:

• £38 could pay for one hour of nursing care in our inpatient unit
• £43 could pay for music therapy to help a patient come to terms with a diagnosis
• £65 could pay for bereavement care to help a family come to terms with their loss

And:

• In 2017/18 Keech Hospice cared for a total of 2,344 people, including 1,362 adults, 341 children and 641 relatives.
• 1,784 nights were spent caring for patients in the adult in patient unit in 2017/18. 590 patients and relatives received bereavement support.
  

The Challenge:

I will be trekking on one of the seven wonders of the world - The Great Wall of China! We will be walking on parts of the wall which are away from the tourist trail, climbing thousands of steps along the way. We are going to be climbing up a section of wall called 'Heavens Ladder' which is a really steep, narrow climb of over 300 steps (GULP!). We will be trekking through mountain villages as well as walking along side parts of the wall which are unrestored - all truly a sight to behold.

Thank you so much for your support, I'm going to need it!!

Lots of Love,

Eileen

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