In what my Dad calls an “act of madness”, I’ve decided to join in with the Peace Hospice’s 30th anniversary sponsorship challenge which just so happens to tie in nicely with the year I am also celebrating my 30th birthday (although please please do not mention my age to me in person...!). 

I am taking the opportunity to tick off a bucket list item... 

and will be jumping out of a plane. 

This year has taught us many things, and allowed us to slow down, whether we wanted to or not, and reassess those things that are important to us. In a year of catastrophic loss, a spotlight has been shone on the importance of provision of care to those vulnerable and in need.

Hospice charities have had a tougher year than most - many will not realise that such organisations are only able to operate due to significant charitable donations which have taken a nosedive in the last year, given so many events were cancelled or postponed indefinitely. Like their colleagues in the NHS, the Peace Hospice is one of those who continue to work on the frontline, giving care and comfort in their Inpatient Unit and across the community at patients homes, assisting those with terminal illnesses in times complicated of course by COVID-19. 

The Peace Hospice is not only a local charity, but also one close to our family - my Mum happens also to be a nurse in the Inpatient Unit. I remain continuously amazed with how much she values and enjoys her job, but crucially how much she cares. She manages to stay positive no matter the day she faces, and she is proud of the work she does. The world should have more people in it like my Mum, and her words that “no one should die alone” resounds more than ever in a year of so much isolation, with many lives lost and all too many remote goodbyes. 

So my aim as I enter my 4th decade - gulp - is not only to tick off a bucket list item, but also do a tiny bit towards helping a charity that provides immeasurable support and care to both their patients and their families.

I want to make it clear that I have funded the cost of the jump itself, and no one should feel as if they are paying for my “day out”. However, any donations would be most welcome in lieu of birthday gifts or otherwise. 

Thank you for your time. 

Em. X