This August, I’m embarking on the challenge of walking the Pennine Way in memory of my mum, Diana Nottingham, who we lost to cancer in October 2023.

The Pennine Way is one of the UK’s most demanding and iconic trails, stretching 431 kilometers (268 miles) from the Peak District in Derbyshire to the Scottish Borders. It’s a very tough hike, filled with steep climbs, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather, and I'm aiming to complete it in 16 days.

Every step I take will be a tribute to my mum’s incredible strength and resilience. This route holds a special meaning for me because it ends in Scotland, where mum was born and raised. Walking these miles to her homeland feels like a fitting way to honor her memory and the remarkable legacy she left behind.

Throughout this journey, I am raising funds for Rowans Hospice, a charity that provided my mum with compassionate care and support during her final days. Thanks to the amazing nurses at Rowans, we were able to fulfill Mum’s wish of passing away at home, surrounded by her closest family. I will forever be grateful to them for giving us that gift of dignity and peace.

Hospices like Rowans are essential to our communities. They rely on donations to continue offering end-of-life care to those who need it most. Without their support, many families, including ours, would face an even more challenging time in such circumstances.

I would like to raise both money and awareness for Rowans and other similar hospices. Every penny I raise will go toward helping Rowans provide the same compassionate care that meant so much to my mum and our family. If you have a local hospice, I urge you to consider supporting them as well. They truly make a difference when it matters most.

Thank you in advance if you can help support me on my quest. Any donations will truly be appreciated, especially in this time where money is tight for everyone. Your support means the world to me and will make a real difference to families who really need it.

More about Rowans Hospice:

Rowans Hospice is a voluntary independent hospice that provides specialist palliative care to patients with life-limiting and progressive illnesses in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire. Their services are provided free of charge, regardless of the nature of the illness, beliefs, or financial means.

updated. I have finished day 3 and just hit my target for 5k raised. Thank you everyone for all the support!

update: I have now completed 13 day and started day 14. The last 3 days are under 30k. I can see the end in sight and can’t wait to get to the last day when my Brother is joining me to walk. I have decided to walk the last day in my kilt that is my mother family tartan. The dog has loved every minute of this!

update:

Last Sunday, I laced up my walking boots for the final day on the Pennine Way – a journey that stretched 268 miles from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish Borders.

This wasn't “just” a personal challenge. But a way to raise awareness and funds for Rowans Hospice, a cause that means the world to me.

Yes, there were long days of aching feet, and vast stretches of solitude. But here’s what surprised me most: the real highlights weren’t the summits or the views (All where absolute breathtaking). They were the small, human moments:

• My husband’s constant support. Although I walked the back bone of England, Robert Janes was my back bone and knowing he was meeting me at pre-organized spots on the trail and when I finished each day, massively help my focus and to keep going even when it got tough.

• A message from a friend at just the right time. Messages and phone call's really helped me take my mind off the pain at points where I had just 2k left of the day and that last 2k seems to last forever.

• A donation arriving unexpected. I am so grateful for every donation from Friends, Family and people I have never met.

These acts of kindness turned tough days into meaningful ones. They reminded me that while the miles were mine to walk, the purpose was always bigger than me.

This adventure wasn’t about miles—it was about meaning. And I’m so deeply grateful to everyone who supported me along the way. Every one of the 662,371 steps was for Rowans Hospice, and for the dignity and care they bring to so many.

I will leave the sponsohip page open for another week or so and close it on the 6th September!