Five Walk For Worthing Hospice In Memory Of Mum

A husband and wife and three of their work colleagues will set off from Worthing at sunrise on June 25th to walk 10km for St Barnabas House’s Sunrise to Remember fundraiser.

Stella Thompson, 49, from Worthing, her husband, Keith, 55, and three of their work colleagues, Chris, George & Juan, will set off from Worthing Leisure Centre at 4.15am to do the walk.

Keith and Stella

It's a challenge that is close to Stella's heart as her mum was cared for by the hospice before she passed away in 2017 and the hospice is currently caring for her dad.

The group all work together at Nevalee Business Solutions. The youngest member of the team, 23-year-old George Lee said:

Juan and George

“I’m either still in bed at 4am, or I might be coming in from a night out – but I’m not usually going out at that time.” 

For Stella, the challenge will be an emotional, as well as a physical challenge. 

Stella’s mum, Val received a terminal diagnosis, and the family were told that she had six months to live.

Val

“Mum sadly deteriorated much quicker than expected and she died in five weeks,” says Stella. “At this difficult time, my dad, Den, was in shock, and St Barnabas House really helped him deal with everything through their bereavement support.”

Recently, Stella’s dad, Den, was diagnosed with Pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease that makes it difficult for his lungs to work properly.

“Dad now needs ambulatory oxygen to help him breathe, which is a small portable oxygen cylinder, and he also needs quite a lot of assistance to walk and dop everyday activities.”

Den is under the care of St Barnabas House and visits their gym weekly to help keep him active. He also works with one of the hospice’s physiotherapists to help ease his pain.

Stella and Den at his 80th

“The Hospice at Home team are also regularly visiting Dad at home,” says Stella. “And I’m so thankful for them, they help us navigate the journey we are on together.”

When asked what Den would think about the team taking on the challenge, Stella says:

“I think he is a bit shocked! Dad doesn’t wake up until quite late, and I told him that we’d have finished the challenge and be home by the time he’s out of bed and he laughed and said ‘well, don’t knock on my door on the way through!’ I know he’s proud of us.”

To sponsor Stella and her team, please visit: www.justgiving.com/nevalee 

There is still time to sign up and take part in St Barnabas House’s Sunrise to Remember walk, which is taking place on Saturday 25 June. Registration costs £25 (under 14s £15, family £65) and there is a 10km and 20km route available. To find out more and register, visit www.stbh.org.uk/sunrisetoremember