In spring 2020 an Eden Valley Hospice fundraiser will embark on a mammoth fundraising walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End to help the care, support and activities provided at the local charity.
Starting on Monday 3 February, Jess Maxwell will be walking an average of 20 miles a day as she walks the length of Great Britain in aid of the Carlisle based charity. Jess hopes to complete the challenge after 54 days of walk, which will be broken down into 3 sections.
Jess, a student at the University of Cumbria, explained, “I am sure everyone reading this has had direct contact with or knows of someone who has been cared for by Eden Valley Hospice. I am a student nurse who has been lucky enough to complete some of my training in the hospice.
“I am in awe of the amazing care and support Eden Valley Hospice provides and therefore for me there is no other charity I would rather complete this challenge for. Being able to raise loads of money for the hospice would help to provide invaluable support for people in the community with a long term or palliative condition.”
Jess will break the walk down into three section, Carnforth to Clevedon (February 3 to February 14), John O’Groats to Carnforth (20 February to 11 March) and Clevedon to Land’s End (15 March to 4 April). During the 54 day challenge Jess will pass through a wide range of towns and cities including Inverness, Fort William, Carlisle, Exeter and many more.
Jess, 21, continued, “Whilst on holiday at Land’s End I thought to myself that I could undertake this enormous challenge in aid of an amazing charity. I have lots of experience with the hospice but not much walking experience. Although, I love a challenge and I am always up for pushing myself to the limits.
“I am full of energy and known by some friends as a Duracell bunny which never runs out of energy, so this is the perfect opportunity for me to put my enthusiasm into action. I am looking forward to the views, the people I will meet and the money I am able to raise. However, I am not looking forward to the rainy weather, blisters, hills and achy legs.”
The money raised by Jessi by completing the John O’Groats to Land’s End walk will help Eden Valley Hospice to provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to local people with life limiting illnesses. If you would like to make a donation towards Jess’s 1,000 mile walk please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/JessMaxwell
In the build up to the walk, Jess is calling on the people along her route to help with the challenge. Jess explained, “If anyone can provide me with a free hot meal and somewhere to stay on route that would be amazing. Also, if anyone knows of physiotherapists who would be able to provide some free sports massage on route that would be appreciated.
“Any walking equipment that could be donated would help to keep me safe and warm throughout my walk. If anyone has any training advice for walking please get in touch.”
If you are able to help Jess’s fundraising challenge or would like to keep up to date with her progress please visit www.facebook.com/Walking-John-OGroats-to-Lands-End-105029947543494/.
If you would like to find out more about fundraising in aid of Eden Valley Hospice please contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 810801 or visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org
