One man’s journey along the South West Coast Path raises over £30,000 for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in tribute to his beloved wife
Phil Brown, 66, from Cheltenham, completed his epic 630-mile adventure during June, raising money for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, where his wife, Anna, died in January following a short illness.
The route, that included a gradient equivalent to climbing Mount Everest four times, was a very special one for Phil as he and Anna had always planned to do the South West Coast Path together. Looking back on his incredible challenge Phil explained:
“I understand more today than I did at the time just quite what an extraordinary feat it was – to have raised more than £30,000 is amazing. I miss the freedom of those days walking and the stunning scenery. The love and support from complete strangers every day of the walk will stay with me forever.”
As well as honouring Anna’s memory Phil was determined to raise as much money as possible for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, which provided care and support for Anna and her family in the final weeks of her life. As Phil shared:
“My daughter Alex, son Max and I spent two weeks with Anna in Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. The care Anna received at the hospice was truly wonderful. My children and I could never find the words to express our gratitude.”
Reflecting on what Anna would have made of his South West Coast Path success, Phil remarked: “I believe she would be beyond proud of what I have achieved and if she is looking down on me now, as I dearly pray she is, she will know that I love her as much today as I ever did.”
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About Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice:
At Sue Ryder, we can’t make life’s most difficult moments easy, but we can carry some of the load. For more than 70 years we have been a source of strength and support for anyone living with a life-limiting illness or grief.
Dying and grief are universal experiences, but too many people face them alone. Here at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice located just outside Cheltenham we provide a safe and reassuring hand for right across Gloucestershire to reach for.
From giving care and support for someone at the end of their life to helping someone manage their grief, we know there is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need. We campaign for everyone who is approaching the end of their life or grieving to have access to the right support, at the right time. And we seek to break down the barriers to talking about dying and grief – so we can all be better prepared and better equipped to be there for each other.
We can make a positive difference during even the darkest of times. Whether in the last months, weeks or days of life, or living with grief, we help people live the best life they possibly can. We are there when it matters.
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