A family of intrepid fundraisers is preparing to scale three of the country’s highest mountains in memory of a much-loved relative.
Around 20 members of the Bailey family and close friends are taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in memory of Nat Bailey, from Evesham, who died in a car accident aged 19 last year.
In celebration of Nat’s life, his family is taking on a number of challenges to raise money for charities close to their hearts – including St Richard’s Hospice which has provided his mum, Tessa, with bereavement counselling.
The group will begin the challenge at Ben Nevis, in Scotland, on Friday 4th August, continuing to Scafell Pike in the Lake District on Saturday and finishing at Snowdon in Wales on Sunday.
Mrs Bailey, who has completed the tough challenge before, said: “It will be fantastic. I think it will be beneficial for all of us, we aim to raise several thousand pounds for bereavement counselling at St Richard’s.”
Mrs Bailey accesses bereavement counselling through Bereavement Support South Worcestershire which is run by St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester.
“Doing the challenge will benefit our bereavement process because we are doing something positive for an organisation that is really helping us and also the local community,” explained Mrs Bailey.
“We have experienced how good they are. The bereavement support has been wonderful. St Richard’s is very close to our hearts because my mum Edna used the hospice and my mother in law Lila too.”
To make a donation to the Bailey’s fundraising efforts visit http://www.justgiving.com/Tessa-Bailey2
Sarah Shephard and Edd Boers
Friends of the family have also been raising money for the hospice too – including Sarah Shephard, who has already completed the Three Peaks Challenge with her boyfriend Edd Boers, their friends and family.
Miss Shephard, who lives in Harvington, near Evesham, said: “Since I have started the fundraising so many stories of how St Richard’s have helped so many people have come out and it has increased my drive to push the fundraising even more.
“The challenge was most definitely that – a challenge! The tiredness and stiffness were the hardest parts, but the challenge was increased by the fact the rain didn’t stop for the whole weekend.
“Morale was kept high throughout the challenge which helped an incredible amount and everyone was very supportive and encouraging to each other.”
So far, the couple has raised more than £400 to support St Richard’s care – and are now in training for the 100-mile Velo Birmingham road race in September, again in aid of the hospice. To sponsor them visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarahedandco
Sarah and Edd with family and friends on the Three Peaks Challenge
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their loved ones. Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,000 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
The hospice strives to provide the best medical, practical, emotional and social support they can to help people live life to the fullest, as independently as they can, for as long as they can.
St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it continue its work.
Find out more at www.strichards.org.uk