A couple are set to tackle the highest mountain in North Africa this month to raise money for Hospice at Home West Cumbria.
Matt and Naomi Le Voi, of Brigham, near Cockermouth, are climbing Mount Toubkal to raise money for the palliative care charity that looked after several of Naomi’s elderly relatives in their last stages of life.
The incredible mountain ascent, which will take almost a week to complete, is the latest in a year long series of physical challenges that the dare devil couple have set themselves.
For Naomi, challenges include various road races, half marathons and marathons, including The Great North Run, The Cumbrian Run, the Kielder Marathon and Hadrian Wall’s Half.
Matt is no stranger to the outdoors and has worked with Hospice at Home West Cumbria in previous years, helping to run fundraising events.
He has already completed The Great Gifts Round (22 miles with 2,880m of ascent) in March with The St Bega’s Way, The Cumbrian Way in a Day (72 miles), the Lakeland 100 and The Cumbrian Traverse all yet to come.
Matt, owner of Lakeland Mountain Guides, said: “We had set ourselves these challenges at the beginning of the year and chose Hospice at Home for a number of reasons.
“It’s Naomi’s “family” charity. Naomi’s grandma, Lynn Purnell, designed the first logo for the charity years and years ago so it’s always been on our radar. When Naomi’s grandma was in the last stages of her life, she had a Hospice at Home nurse help her and it was invaluable.
As a family, we have supported Hospice at Home West Cumbria in the past by raising money. Naomi’s parents ran the former Quince and Medlar restaurant and they ran fundraising events to raise money.
“Naomi has previously run the Great North Run in aid of Hospice at Home West Cumbria as well as hosted Puppy Play Dates and Group Dog Walks in aid of the charity. I have organised events through the business too, Lakeland Mountain Guides such as Scafell Pike for Sunset.”
Holly Harkness Community fundraising co-ordinator said: “After hearing about the challenges that Naomi and Matt are taking on this year to raise funds for the charity. We are so thankful to them for taking on such incredible challenges throughout 2023, not only are they raising valuable funds but helping to raise awareness about the charity and the services we provide in the local community”.
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thegreatlevoichallenge
