In August 2026, I’ll be taking on a sky jump, and in April 2027, I’ll be walking from John O’Groats to Land’s End — both in memory of my beautiful niece, Ivy Milton.

Ivy was just four years old. From birth, she lived with Spina Bifida, and throughout her short life, she faced more hospital visits and medical challenges than any child ever should. Yet despite everything, she was full of spirit, courage, and love.

On 3rd February 2025, Ivy passed away following open-heart surgery while bravely fighting sepsis. Her loss was sudden, heartbreaking, and utterly devastating for everyone who loved her.

In the days that followed, my sister-in-law Michelle and brother‑in‑law Stephen faced the unimaginable. They wanted to bring Ivy home, to hold her close, to have her surrounded by family, and to spend those final precious moments together.

But that was only possible if her little body could be kept cold, and this required specialised equipment: a Cuddle Blanket.

Local hospitals had none available. It was only thanks to the extraordinary compassion of Eaves Funeral Directors in Whitehaven, who travelled in their own time to a charity to collect a spare Cuddle Blanket, that Ivy could come home. Without it, her body would have deteriorated too quickly, and those final moments, so important for grieving parents, would not have been possible.

No family should ever have to worry about whether they can hold their child one last time.

That’s why I’m dedicating this walk to raising funds to purchase Cuddle Blankets for other grieving parents. Each blanket costs £5,000, and every single one can make a life‑changing difference to a family in the darkest moment of their lives.

I’m asking, humbly and from the heart, for your help. Any donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact.

And if you cannot donate, please share this story far and wide.

Losing anyone is incredibly hard.

Losing a child is unimaginable.

If we can help even one family find comfort in their final moments together, then Ivy’s legacy of love will continue to shine.

Thank you, truly,

Ian Milton