The 17-strong team walked, ran and cycled an amazing 207km and swam some 96 lengths in just one week to raise vital funds for the 24/7 care they provide to seriously ill children and their families.

Staff were keen to play their part in a year where the hospice’s fundraising events have had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. The team was made up of staff from all around the hospice including our nurses, therapists, play and facilities teams.

The challenge, which coincided with Children’s Hospice Week, was part of the hospice’s 24/7 Challenge, which is encouraging people to take on an activity related to the numbers 2, 4 or 7 and directly linked to the round the clock care the hospice provides to local families.

17 staff, 207km, 7 days….£1800 raised 

Yoga therapist Grace Parkyn decided she was going to undertake three impressive challenges. Grace donned her running shoes for a 7km run, braved the cold outdoor waters for a 36.5 length swim and a took to her saddle for a 24km bike ride.

Grace, who provides therapeutic yoga to many of the children at the hospice and in family homes said:

I am privileged and humbled to witness the amount of care and support the families and hospice staff give to make young lives happier and more meaningful. Haven House is such an amazing team to be part of and I felt called to take part in the 24/7 challenge to honour the enormity of love, compassion and time it takes to enrich young people’s lives.

“Every step, every length and each cycle I took I thought about the inspiring children, their heroic families and the amazing hospice care staff who work hard every day. Doing a sponsored activity was the least I could do. Thank you to all who have donated so far.”

Director of Care Eileen White said she was immensely proud of the team for stepping up during what has been a challenging year for families and the organisation.

Eileen said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity to pull together as a team and do what our supporters do for us every year through their own brilliant fundraising challenges.

“As a team, we are proud and passionate about the 24/7 care the hospice provides. The past year has been a rollercoaster in every sense of the word. Our staff have been simply incredible – resilient, courageous, optimistic and dedicated – working across every single area of the charity. The team were keen to come together and rise to a personal challenge while supporting each other to make a difference to the children and families we support. I am so very proud of them.” 

 Are you ready for the 24/7 Challenge? Get involved today.