Christine's Story

In April 2027, Christine Wilson (Chris) will step firmly outside her comfort zone as she takes on one of the biggest challenges of her life – trekking to Everest Base Camp.

Standing at 5,364 metres above sea level, Everest Base Camp presents a huge physical and mental challenge. But for Chris, the challenge is about much more than reaching the foot of the world's highest mountain. She is taking on Everest to raise money for Hospice at Home West Cumbria – a charity that has played an important role in her own life and in the lives of people close to her.

Chris's connection with Hospice at Home West Cumbria began following the death of her mam, Joan, in February 2017. During an incredibly difficult time, the charity supported Chris through bereavement counselling, helping her to navigate her grief and, ultimately, find her joy again.

Since then, Chris has continued to see the difference Hospice at Home makes within the local community. She has witnessed the care provided to her friends, family and loved ones over the years. These experiences have stayed with her.

“This trek is my way of giving something back and helping ensure that Hospice at Home West Cumbria can continue to support families like mine and those I care so deeply about, right here at home. I believe that supporting hospice is about giving something back to our community and helping ensure that nobody has to face the end of their life without the care, comfort and support they deserve.”

Chris knows that reaching Everest Base Camp will require plenty of preparation. Thankfully, she already has a love of walking and the Lake District's famous Wainwrights have provided her with the perfect training challenge.

The physical preparation is only one part of the challenge. Chris admits that mental preparation is a very different matter.

I suffer from a lack of self-confidence – a trait that’s developed later in life – but the one thing that I do have is an unwavering amount of determination.

And that determination is something Chris intends to rely on when the going gets tough. “I won’t give up and I will push through, so bring it on!

While Chris will be thousands of miles away when she reaches Everest Base Camp, her reason for taking on the challenge remains firmly rooted in West Cumbria. “Every penny raised will help Hospice at Home West Cumbria continue providing specialist palliative and end of life care and support to local people and their families”. For Chris, that makes every training walk, every fundraising event and every difficult step worthwhile.

If you’re able to donate, attend one of the fundraising events I’ll be organising, share this page, or simply cheer me on, I’d be incredibly grateful. “Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a real difference.

We’ll be following Chris's journey as she prepares for Everest Base Camp and sharing updates on her training and fundraising along the way.

If you would like to support Chris's challenge, you can donate to her fundraising page or get involved with one of her fundraising events.

www.justgiving.com/page/christine-wilson-21

Hospice at Home West Cumbria have partnered with LMG Treks and Expeditions who guide the overseas treks.