A supporter with a special connection to St Oswald’s Hospice, based in Newcastle, will be climbing one of the world’s most iconic volcanoes for the charity.
John Farrington, from Jesmond, is now retired and taking on the ultimate challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, to raise money for St Oswald’s and tick the challenge off of his ‘Life List’. The Hospice cared for his wife, Anne, before she died in February 2016, so taking part in the eight day trek is a way to remember Anne, and thank the charity for their care and support.
John explains: “I’m a keen walker and wanted to do something in Anne’s memory, so after doing a bit of research, the trek sounded like the right challenge for me.
“Anne was cared for on St Oswald’s Inpatient Unit during the two and a half weeks before she died. It was a great relief when we knew that Anne could spend her final days at the Hospice. We knew that she would be comfortable and for us as a family we could spend time with her, while St Oswald’s took responsibility for the care.”
John continues:
“Places like St Oswald’s are so important, which is why I decided to climb Kilimanjaro for the Hospice. Once you get older you realise that time is running out, and saying you’ll do something in 5 to 10 years from now is a thing of the past so I wanted to do this while I’m still able to.”
If you would like to donate to John’s trek, or follow his progress, visit his Just Giving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/John-Farrington5
St Oswald’s is encouraging other people, inspired by John’s story, to make 2017 the year they achieve something they have always wanted to do, by getting involved in their ‘Life List campaign. The Life List asks supporters what challenge or adventure they have always meant to do but never got round to organising and helps them to make it happen. The supporter will then raise funds through sponsorship for the hospice, along with making their own ambition reality.
St Oswald’s offers everything from runs, cycles, climbs, swims as well as other less physical challenges. The full range of activities on offer and more information is available from: www.stoswaldsuk.org/lifelist