Thank you for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

We will be travelling from Kent, to Spain, to trek the historic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail, to raise money for the Hospice in the Weald.

Starting at the town of Palas de Rei, we will trek across Galicia, in northwestern Spain, to Santiago Old Town – home to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Every step of our journey will be for Hospice in the Weald. It is a charity that provides care to people with a terminal illness – and support to their loved ones – in areas of West Kent and East Sussex.

Every pound that we raise will make sure people who need the services of the hospice receive comfort, dignity and compassion during the heartbreaking final chapter of life.

Here is a story of how the hospice helped a courageous woman:

*************ELLA’S STORY************

Ella shared her story earlier this year when she was receiving care for pain management at the Hospice in the Weald, for bowel cancer.

She lived her life to the fullest. She loved nature, and socialising with her family and friends. And, she was passionate about gardening.

Ella, who had late-stage bowel cancer, said of the Hospice garden: ‘When you step into the space, you can leave everything behind.

‘It makes me feel so peaceful. One day, if I can’t walk and if I’m bedbound, I’ll be able to visually walk around the garden.’

Ella also loved music and she enjoyed a party.

Ella said of the team caring for her at the hospice: ‘They understand what’s important to me, and they help me to feel well enough to do the things I enjoy. Even in a small way.

‘I’m grateful the hospice aren’t just supporting me, but my family too. They know that when they come to visit me here that we will be able to make the most of our time together.’

When Ella received her diagnosis, she knew she would not live to celebrate her 40th birthday. And, so, she planned a festival - ‘Ella Fest’ - in her garden.

The team at the hospice made it possible. They organised Ella’s medication so she was pain-free for the day.

Ella had a wonderful time at the festival with her family and friends. It was a celebration of all the things that made her life beautiful.

Sadly, Ella died in July 2024, aged 39. She leaves a husband, Stewart and parents Rita and Maurice.