Family’s 38 day walking challenge raises over £4k for St. Luke’s

A local family walked and ran more than 500 miles in 38 consecutive days to help raise money for St. Luke’s Hospice; a charity which cared for their wife and mother last year.

Peter Dent (SNR), aged 81, along with members of his family, walked or ran every day for over five weeks starting in November, to raise funds for the Hospice which cared for his wife, Barbara, in August. He was joined on the challenge by his son Peter Dent (JNR), his daughter Nicola Sawyer, son-in-law Steve Sawyer, and granddaughter Kerry Dent.

Together, the team aimed to walk or run at least 380 miles over the 38 days but in total they completed more than 500 miles, raising more than £4,100 for the Hospice. The time frame was set as Barbara was cared for in the In-Patient Unit at St. Luke’s Hospice for 38 days.

Peter Dent SNR, said:

“Barbara went to St. Luke’s Hospice not long after we found out she had a brain tumour.  When she was diagnosed we knew that she wasn’t going to get better. When the chance came to go to St. Luke’s Hospice we took it. That’s where Barbara wanted to be and we felt a relief when we got there. We spent quality time together while the doctors and nurses managed everything health-wise for Barbara. 

“I was by Barbara’s side 20 hours a day for the whole period and the nurses would regularly check I’d had a break, offering me tea or coffee. Whenever they needed to see Barbara, they would always check with us first. It was an incredible level of kindness which made a huge difference. 

“It was while we were at the Hospice that we decided to fundraise and my son Peter suggested this challenge. We all walked or ran at different times whenever we could, mostly individually and alone. I would go out early in the mornings. I quite like walking and have always spent a lot of time on my feet. Barbara and I used to walk a lot on our holidays.

“I will never forget the way Barbara was cared for by St. Luke’s Hospice and during such difficult times as well. The staff didn’t just look after Barbara, they took care of our whole family.” 

Peter JNR, who set up the challenge, said:

“For 38 days, all of the staff at St. Luke’s Hospice treated my mum with care, respect, dignity, compassion, and afforded our family the same as we shared those last precious moments.  For that we are all truly grateful. We took on this challenge as a way of thanking everyone there for all the time and care they gave to mum as a patient and to us as a family.”

Joanne Phillips, Community Fundraiser at St. Luke’s Hospice, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to Peter and his family for taking on this fundraising challenge and walking or running each day, come rain or shine. As a charity fundraising efforts like this make a huge difference, enabling us to continue caring for those who need us. Thank you again to Peter SNR, Peter JNR, Nicola, Steve, Kerry and to everyone who donated.”

Money raised for St. Luke’s Hospice helps the charity continue to provide essential, specialist care for people with life-limiting and life-challenging illnesses at the Hospice and in the community, as well as supporting their loved ones and carers.

To find out how you can support the Hospice, please call the Fundraising team on 01268 524 973, email [email protected] or visit our website www.stlukeshospice.com.