Ella, a creative and Slimming World Consultant from Erith, first got involved with our hospice when she decided to take on the Sahara Trek. After raising more than £6,000 and helping contribute to an incredible £105,000 total, she is now preparing for her next challenge: walking the Great Wall of China to raise even more funds for the hospice.
“I was asked by a previous fundraiser if I would share some leaflets about the Hospice’s Sahara Trek with my Slimming World group. When he handed me the leaflet, I looked at it and thought, I really want to do this myself. I found another lady in my group who felt the same, and together we signed up.”
The Sahara Trek became a life-changing experience. “On the final day, we got up at 4am, packed everything up and trekked to a large sand dune. We sat on top waiting for the sunrise. It was surreal. Silent. Calm. There wasn’t a sound. Then this big ball of flame slowly rose in the distance. It was emotional. Most of us were crying and hugging because we had achieved something incredible together.”
That sense of achievement was matched by the pride Ella felt when she saw the impact her fundraising had.
EllaThe trek raised £105,000 for the hospice, and I personally raised over £6,000. Knowing that money helps local people makes me so proud. I feel like I’ve really made a difference.
It didn’t take long for Ella to sign up for the next challenge. “At the Sahara presentation ceremony, there were posters about the Great Wall of China Trek. I turned to my friend and said, ‘We’re doing it.’ We signed up there and then. Everything about the Sahara Trek was perfect. I enjoyed every part of it, the training, the fundraising, the build-up. I knew I wanted to do it again.”
For Ella, the motivation behind these challenges goes deeper than adventure. Her aunt Wendy was cared for by the hospice at home in her final days. “The hospice carers came to her home. They looked after her and supported my cousins. They explained what might happen and did a fantastic job. My cousins were truly grateful for the care their mum received. That’s why the hospice is close to my heart.”
During the Sahara Trek, Ella paid tribute to her aunt in a personal way. “I wrote her name in the sand and sent the picture to my cousins. It was my way of saying this is for Wendy.”
Ella’s goal for the Great Wall of China Trek is to raise £4,000, which will bring her total fundraising to £10,000. “That makes me feel overwhelmed with pride. Hospices need fundraising to stay open and continue providing amazing care. To know I’ve helped achieve that is huge.”
As she trains and fundraises for her next adventure, Ella is excited to experience both the challenge and the culture that await her in China. “I’m looking forward to walking the Wall, seeing the sights, and visiting the Terracotta Warriors. It’s another trip of a lifetime, and I’m doing it for such a worthy cause.”
You can take on your own adventure and make a lasting difference for local people, just like Ella. Find out more about our Great Wall of China Challenge and how you can get involved.
