Charity Ramble for Rachel raises thousands for hospice

Elise Ridge and her dad Carl Marwood from Penistone took part in their epic 40-mile ‘Ramble for Rachel’, from Whitby to Bridlington in memory of Rachel Plaxton, to say thank you to St John’s Hospice in Balby for the wonderful care she and the family received in 2023.

Elise said: “St Johns Hospice cared for my lovely mum in her final days and provided our family with such kindness and support, so we decided we would like to give something back to this amazing charity.”

She added: “We set off from Whitby on Friday 12 April, and after an overnight stop in Scarborough, we finished in our old family favourite destination Bridlington on Saturday 13 April, which was Mum’s birthday, so it was an emotional journey for us.”

Elise and Carl kept family and friends up to date with their progress through social media, and Granny and Grandad Sandra and Gary Featherstone provided much-welcomed sandwiches and drinks when the walkers took a pit stop on day one.

Carl added: “There were a few blisters along the way, and the weather was mainly kind until the last few miles, but it was great to have so many people supporting us and urging us along – we’d like to say thanks to each and every one who’s sponsored us – and of course to Sandra and Gary for their support too!”

St John’s Hospice Fundraising Manager Jenny Baynham said: “We’re extremely grateful to the family for raising such a significant amount of money for our charity, and for taking part in such a grueling challenge.

“Their efforts and the feedback they’ve given us about our care means such a lot to all of our team – so on behalf of everyone at St John’s Hospice I’d like to say a massive thank you!”

St John’s Hospice is run by Rotherham Doncaster & South Humber NHS Trust (RDaSH). For more information on how to support St John’s Hospice, please visit the website: www.stjohnshospicedoncaster.co.uk