On October 14th I will be setting off to the Sahara desert for a challenging trek for a week. This is far from a stroll on the beach! I’ll be joining up with a team of 29 fellow adventurous and courageous travellers, each of us with a strong and personal connection with Acorns Children’s Hospice.

We probably don’t really know what we’ve let ourselves in for on this iconic challenge, hiking through the ever-changing landscape of the Sahara desert and taking in the breathtaking views. Trekking through sand dunes and desert oasis alongside camels and camping under the stars in this once in a lifetime challenge. At the end of the trek, we’ll all be taking part in a project that, like Acorns, helps to support those that are vulnerable and require care outside of a hospital environment. 

This will be my hardest and biggest challenge since losing Isabella. Mentally and physically it cannot be underestimated the scale of this challenge. The devastation of losing Isabella is as raw today as it was over 4 years ago. But I’m determined to push through regardless and show the same grit and determination that Isabella did for all those years.

Please support us. This is most definitely all about Isabella and the place she loved so much….Acorns. 

Sunday April 28th 2019 – The world changed forever. Isabella’s eight and a half year battle and survival of childhood cancer came to a heartbreaking end just over a month before her 12th birthday.

Isabella was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an uncompromising and unforgiving childhood cancer, at the age of just 3. Throughout her life she defied medical odds, battling never-ending rounds of treatment and going into remission many times, fighting that formidable foe every step of the way. Isabella was no ordinary young person, she was a truly positive and happy force of nature and an inspiration to all that met her.

She inspired people to come together to raise money in phenomenal ways, which is how Natalie first met Isabella’s friends and family. Myself and Nat developed a friendship, which neither of us knew would end up with us being related! They always say choose your friends wisely!! 😂 

On New Years Eve in 2018, just under 4 months before losing Isabella, Natalie knocked on my front door to deliver a get well card and my brother Simon opened the door. Natalie and Simon started dating in May and eventually married in October last year, where I had the privilege of being the best man and seeing up close and personal two people so happy it literally filled the room. 

Isabella brought happiness and love to all those around her, especially to her favourite Uncle Si, and still does to this day.

When Isabella was going through tough times with treatment, Acorns Hospice was always there providing love, care and support to her and her family around her.

Isabella’s real love was the craft room losing herself in a world of creating…in her happy place.

Acorns in Walsall is where Isabella spent so much of her time, and in recognition of the fundraising and support they have had from Isabella and her wider family and friends, along with her amazing positive inspirational spirit, they have renamed the recently refurbished and extended Arts and Craft Room Isabella’s Place.

To mark 4 years since losing Isabella, we are aiming to raise as much money as possible for Acorns to help towards the £10 million it costs a year to run their three hospices in the Black Country, Birmingham  and Worcester.

On June 2nd this year the first of the two challenges took place and is now complete. Natalie, myself, Si, our good friend Paula, and a small team walked between all three Acorns hospices. Starting at Acorns for the Three Counties in Worcester, popping past Acorns Birmingham in Selly Oak and finishing up at Acorns in the Black Country in Walsall, following a little detour on the way to visit Isabella’s resting place. A 40 mile walk in one day…but to spice up the challenge and make it that bit harder, Natalie was wearing her wedding dress the whole way,  dragging the train along the road! A wedding dress that was and is the most beautiful and poignant reminder of how Isabella brought people together and the love that radiated from her and touched everyone she met. An absolutely gruelling but phenomenal day, the togetherness and the support we received along the way and the welcome home at Acorns in Walsall will stay with us forever. It was emotional before, during and certainly after. 

Now, let’s see what the Sahara brings….

In her memory and all about love…and most definitely – All About Family!

Again, please support us. This is most definitely all about Isabella and the place she loved so much….Acorns.