Christine and David are taking on an epic Sahara Desert Trek in 2026 to raise funds after the hospice cared for Christine’s mum, Eileen. Here is their story.
Eileen’s journey and the gift of hospice care
Christine begins:
“At the end of September 2023 my mum, Eileen was admitted to hospital. After 3 weeks in hospital, she was eventually diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma which had spread through her body. Her diagnosis came as a big shock to us. I remember it being a very surreal time.
“Mum was put on end-of-life care and moved on to a Palliative Care Plan. There were talks about mum going into a nursing home, but I expressed that I would like to take her home and care for her myself.
“Soon afterwards, a palliative care nurse told me that they had secured a bed for her in the Inpatient Unit at Wigan & Leigh Hospice. It was such a relief. The day mum went into the hospice is one I will never forget.
“When I arrived at the hospice for the first time and walked into her room, I always remember seeing her looking completely relaxed. She looked so comfortable. She loved her room which looked out onto the beautiful garden where she watched the wildlife outside. It was a huge difference to where she had been before.”
A place of comfort for the whole family
Christine’s husband, David said:
“The care Eileen received at the hospice was amazing – we were even able to stay overnight in a bedroom down the corridor from Eileen’s room. We could have this room for as long as we wanted or needed and it made a huge difference to the whole experience.
“It was a godsend for Christine in particular, because it meant she had somewhere to escape to and rest, whilst only being a few doors away from Eileen.
“Everyone was incredibly friendly at the hospice – from the reception staff, kitchen staff cleaners and all the doctors and nurses.
“The team were professional thoughtful and gently guided us through Eileen’s final journey.”
Honouring Eileen through fundraising
Christine continues:
“My mum passed away in November 2023, and we are so grateful that she got her wish to spend her final days here.
“We have always supported the hospice, but you don’t know how much of an impact it has on people’s lives until you experience it for yourself. They supported us so well, so now we feel it is our turn to support them.
“We both play the weekly lottery and annually sponsor a Christmas tree in the hospice gardens. But in April 2025, David took on a new challenge.”
David’s first adventure – the Snowdon Sunrise Trek
David continues:
“I took on the Snowdon Sunrise Trek back in April, and it was a fantastic experience. I love walking and go out every day, so it was an ideal challenge for me.
“But once I had finished this fundraiser, Christine spotted advertisements for the Sahara Desert Trek in 2026. I jumped at the opportunity and Christine reluctantly agreed to join me!”
Preparing for the Sahara – a personal challenge
Christine continues:
“The Sahara Desert Trek is a huge challenge for me as I am not very fond of exercise – it will be hugely out of my comfort zone both physically and mentally!
“I was encouraged after attending some of the information sessions about the challenge and I realise that if I put my mind to it and prepare properly, it will be fine.
“I learned pretty soon that grief has a mind of its own even after 2 years. Losing my mum has left an enormous hole in our lives, but this challenge has given me a focus and a way of turning my grief into something positive. The trek coincidentally falls during the week before the anniversary of her passing, so this encourages me even more.
“Every step I take will be for her, for the families like ours and for the hospice that means so much to us.
Together we can make sure Wigan & Leigh Hospice continues to be there for others just as it was for my lovely mum.”
Fundraising with purpose and community spirit
David continues:
“We have started fundraising and have raised more than £4,000 so far, from bucket collections and events. As we have over a year until our challenge, we have now set ourselves a new target of £10,000.
“It has been great to speak to lots of people during our bucket collections and hear their stories about the hospice and how it has helped their loved ones through tough times.”
Christine ends:
“The Sahara Trek will be a huge challenge for both of us, but the memories of my mum and how the hospice helped us all will keep us going every step of the way.
“The work the hospice does is truly a gift and I will always be grateful for the wonderful care and compassion they showed my mum on her final journey. I was thankful that mum’s final days were ones of comfort peace and dignity.”
Thank you and good luck
We’d like to say a huge thank you and good luck to Christine and David as they take on their epic challenge.
Click here to visit Christine and David’s Just Giving page.