Sisters’ fitting tribute to grandad who loved the outdoors
THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE RAISES CASH FOR HOSPICE
TWO sisters from Derby have paid tribute to their outdoors-loving grandad and the care given to him by a Derbyshire end-of-life charity after climbing the three biggest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales.
Eighteen-year-old Chessie and Georgia Guy, 25, spent six months training for the Three Peaks Challenge – conquering Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – and have raised more than £1,500 for Treetops Hospice, in Risley.
Georgia, a teacher, said that spending time outdoors helped them both with the grieving process as they prepare for their first Christmas without grandad Ken, who was diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Eve 2020.
“We chose the Three Peaks because it was something we knew would be a real challenge,” she said.
“Chessie and I would spend every weekend in training for the Three Peaks Challenge and being outdoors, appreciating nature and spending quality time together, helped with the grieving process.
“Our grandad loved walking and fresh air, so it seemed fitting for us to do this in his memory.”
It was two weeks before Christmas when the Guy family, from Alvaston, received the news that their treasured grandad, Ken, had been taken to hospital with what appeared to be an upset stomach.
Still an active member of his local gym, Ken was a fit man who regularly went out for long walks with his wife, Wendy, at the weekend.
The run-up to Christmas, during the Coronavirus pandemic, was a particularly hard time to be in hospital. Restrictions at the time made it hard for the family to be near Ken and Wendy but they did everything they could to provide the emotional support needed to get him on the road to recovery. All the family wanted was for him to be allowed a one-day break from the regulations to be with his family on Christmas Day.
Then, on Christmas Eve, the family were given the news that Ken had terminal cancer and was unlikely to see in the New Year. He was sent home to spend his final days with Wendy, who he had been married to for 61 years.
Treetops provided the Guy family with nursing care through their Hospice at Home service.
Georgia says that she is grateful that Ken was given the chance to “live his final days in peace, comfort and surrounded by love”.
She said: “Being told to prepare for grandad’s death was awful and I personally felt bitter. I felt as though I had been robbed of the last year of his life due to Covid.
“We were, though, extremely grateful for the support provided by Treetops. Their skill and compassion is something that we will forever be grateful for; they helped grandad when he needed it the most and helped granny, my auntie and dad to manage and understand the situation.
“We were – and still are – so lucky.” Ken died in January 2021 aged 84. “We have so many fond memories, though, of our fun-loving grandad,” said Georgia. “He loved to sing and pretend to tap dance in the kitchen. He’d always ask us to secretly bring him biscuits without granny noticing and his infectious smile and sense of humour were warming.”
Georgia added: “Treetops supported us all during the most awful time. They provide a vital service to ensure that other families and patients receive the care and support they deserve, like my grandad. It was important to us to give back.”
If you would like to fundraise for Treetops Hospice, contact Cheryl Morris on 07741 854189 or head to their website for more information – www.treetops.org.uk