On 2nd December 2022, my #1 Bestie, Sarah Dixon lost her battle with cancer, aged 49, leaving her beloved husband David, sons Christian and Alexander, and her adored dog Barkley. I miss her every second of every day.

A best friend is like no other person in your life - they’re the person who is there for you no matter what - the person you tell all your deepest darkest secrets to, knowing they will never think badly of you - the person you tell all your fears to, knowing they will always comfort and reassure you - the person you share your hopes and dreams with, knowing that they share the same ones - the person you make plans with about all the things you’re going to do together - you laugh with them, you cry with them, you are free to be whoever you want to be with them, without judgement. Sarah made being a best friend easy - Sarah made me a better person. Losing Sarah was like losing a part of me. I was blessed to have Sarah in my life for a few short years - and I was blessed to be with her holding her hand when she was diagnosed, and to be with her holding her hand when she took her last breath and slipped away from us.

Never wanting anyone to look at her with pity in their eyes, and that ‘poor you’ look, Sarah didn’t tell people about her illness, continuing to live everyday as normally as she possibly could, being a tremendous wife, mum, sister, friend and businesswoman, despite being in terrible pain and discomfort sometimes. Less than a handful of people knew because that’s how Sarah wanted it.

Even during the last week or two Sarah was reluctant to accept any input from anyone, remaining fiercely independent and steadfastly courageous (and stubborn !!??) despite being desperately frightened about what was happening, and in a lot of pain.Then, quite by chance, Sarah answered a telephone call. On the other end of the line was a fabulous nurse called Rachel, calling from HOSPISCARE. They hit it off immediately. Although Rachel only met Sarah a couple of times, she was so reassuring and comforting, and to hear about the amazing services and support that HOSPISCARE could offer if required, not only to Sarah, but to her family and friends, was amazing.

Whilst Sarah’s way of doing things meant that she did not want to involve HOSPISCARE or any other external organisation, none of us really know what we might want to do if we were to find ourselves in such a situation. Some may choose to do the same as Sarah. Some may have family and friends for support. Some may feel that they have no-one to turn to. Whatever a person’s circumstances, and whatever path they decide to take, HOSPISCARE will be there for them and for those around them, who are affected by what is happening. The work HOSPISCARE do is priceless, and no charge is made for their support. But of course it costs a huge amount to ensure that service can be continued and offered to anyone who may need it.

For a long time, Sarah and I had been planning a holiday for the 2 of us in 2024 - it was to be the best besties holiday ever - because for a short space of time, we would both be 50 at the same time (I was the youngest of course 😝🙌) and what better reason did we need for a girls holiday !!

Sadly, that is not a dream that can now be fulfilled. So, to mark what would have been a very special year, and a very special occasion, I want to make a difference and take on the challenge of a lifetime in Sarah’s memory…..

On 2 November 2024, I'll be setting off on my trek to Machu Picchu, in aid of HOSPISCARE !

The route will follow the ancient and remote Salkantay trail, where snow-capped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests. Off the beaten path, this trek is one of the most interesting and challenging ways to experience the land of the ancient Incas. I'll also be volunteering with a community project in the Sacred Valley.

Hospiscare is a local charity, caring for terminally ill patients and their families across Exeter, Mid and East Devon. Their teams of doctors and nurses offer free specialist palliative and end-of-life care, to ensure patients are able to make the most of the time they have left and live every day to the fullest. As a charity, they are reliant on donations to keep their services going and they need our support more than ever.

So please, help me make every step count and donate whatever you can. Thank you!