<div>In Memory of Vasco. For Willen Hospice. At the Foot of Everest.
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<div>Hi, I'm Ben, and this October I’ll be trekking to Everest Base Camp in memory of a dear friend, Vasco Dias, who heartbreakingly passed away at Willen Hospice after a fierce and courageous battle with cancer.
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<div>Vasco was more than a friend, he was a brother to me. His strength, love for life, and devotion to his family left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Willen Hospice became a sanctuary for Vasco and his family during his final days, providing not just medical care, but dignity, compassion, and peace.
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<div>This challenge to reach Everest Base Camp is my way of honouring his life, celebrating his legacy, and giving back to the place that cared for him so beautifully.
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<div><strong>The Journey Ahead – Everest Base Camp Trek </strong>
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<div>I’ll be joining a 16-day expedition with Action Challenge. Our route includes 11 days of trekking through the Khumbu Valley to reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m) – the foot of the world's highest peak. We’ll battle altitude, cold, and exhaustion, whilst walking among Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and of course, Everest herself.
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<div><strong>Why Willen Hospice?</strong>
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<div>In Vasco’s final months, Willen Hospice gave his family something priceless: time. Time to hold his hand, share stories, cry, laugh, and just be together. The hospice’s care extended beyond medical treatment, it reached into the hearts of everyone around Vasco. I’ve seen first-hand the difference they make. I’ve fundraised before, for Vasco, and for others facing overwhelming medical challenges. Most recently, my brother-in-law and I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for Willen, raising thousands to support families just like Vasco’s. Now, it’s time for Everest.
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<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>
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<div>I’m aiming to raise £2,000 for Willen Hospice MK to support:
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<li>End-of-life care for patients like Vasco
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<li>Family support services, grief counselling, and respite
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<li>Equipment, beds, and the wonderful staff who work tirelessly every day
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<div>Any donation, big or small, means the world. Whether it’s £5 or £500, you’re helping another family experience the comfort and care Vasco’s family did.
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<div> Please consider donating, sharing this page, and walking this journey with me—even from afar.
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<div> Key Dates
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<li>Depart UK: 18th October 2025
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<li>Vasco’s Birthday (Lobuche, Nepal – 4,910m): 28th October 2025
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<li>Everest Base Camp Summit Day: Approx. 29th October 2025
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<li>Return Home: 3rd November 2025
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<div> Final Words
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<div>Vasco's courage, spirit, and smile will carry me through the toughest parts of this journey. Thank you for supporting this challenge. Thank you for honouring Vasco. And thank you for standing with Willen Hospice.
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<div>With love and gratitude,
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<div>Benjamin
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Steve Lewis

Elliott Hicks

Christine Ruscoe

Anonymous

Jane wilson

Christian Lewis

Angela Finn

Sue Morgan

Amy Young

Evan Doble

Charlotte Woodroffe

Paula and Casey Napier

Farhan Mushtaq

Penni Marie Feltham

Peter Aichinger

Robyn Marie Easthope

Cheryl Smallwood

Claudio Dias

Everest Base Camp in Memory of Vasco - For Willen Hospice

Just £300£ to go! Make an impact.

Everest Base Camp in Memory of Vasco - For Willen Hospice

Just £300 to go!
Make an impact.