Conquering Kilimanjaro: Kate's story

Kate Cooper, mum of three, personal trainer, and volunteer at Hospice in the Weald’s Ward Welcome Desk, tackled a six-day trek to Kilimanjaro with her husband, James, in memory of loved ones cared for at the Hospice. Here, she tells us about her experience climbing the summit, her drive to fundraise, and why she finds volunteering a meaningful way to give back…

“I felt all kinds of emotions, and everything was heightened to the maximum – I was so anxious before I started, excited and exhilarated at so many points, and sometimes it was mentally gruelling and scary.

“The power of fundraising for a cause really drives your sense of purpose and with the help of our team, I managed to push to the top!”

“The main reason I challenge myself in this way is because of people I’ve lost in life, one of whom (a close childhood friend) was cared for at the Hospice. Because of the loss we experienced, we try to live life to the fullest whenever possible.

“Hospice in the Weald provides the best palliative care you could ever hope for.  It’s as simple as that.  I know it was a great relief to Suzy’s family to have her at the Hospice, and she was so well looked after when she was there.  Volunteering on the Ward Welcome Desk has also shown just how lucky we are as a community to have such a place on our doorstep.

“From the ladies who clean the rooms and make the food, all the way up to the heads of departments – everyone is so committed to making life better for the people in care and their loved ones, it’s so humbling.”

 “Whilst I appreciate not everyone can or wants to do challenges like hiking tall mountains, skydiving, or running marathons, I love a good dare and the madness of it all. It reminds me that you must take the opportunity to push yourself to the edge of your limits whenever you can to remind yourself what a privilege it is to be alive and be well.”