Challenge Bel’s 100-mile target to help hospice in its hour of need
BEL CORNWELL is planning to raise thousands of pounds for the hospice that has cared for her by completing 100 miles in her wheelchair.
Bel, from Winchcombe, has already collected £7,000 for Sue Ryder Hospice in Leckhampton from a ‘marathon’ of 11 walks of 2.5 miles during the summer.
The hospice is the only palliative care inpatient unit in Gloucestershire, helping people who have life-limiting conditions and supporting their families.
But it recently launched its second urgent fundraising campaign of 2020 in response to the impact of the pandemic on its funding.
Bel was diagnosed with motor neurone disease nearly six years ago and has since lost the ability to walk and talk. But she is determined to defy the winter weather and work with the prevailing Covid-19 restrictions to complete her new challenge and support Sue Ryder.
Bel said: “In planning for the 100mile challenge, there are two factors I have needed to consider carefully: a second national lockdown and our unpredictable English weather.
“The effect of lockdown has been to heighten my awareness of how to be safe outside, but equally important is the need to exercise and be active. These two principles play a large part in maintaining my own positive mental well-being. As for the weather, unless it is absolutely pouring, we will, of course, carry on.”
Bel, who worked as a teaching assistant at Cheltenham College, was fit and active before being diagnosed with MND.
“It has stripped me of so many things, like no longer being able to work,” she said. “The marathon challenge gave me a definite sense of purpose, which I realised I was missing when it was over.
“The walks also had a significantly positive influence on my mental and physical well-being, and I realised how important it is to maintain that for as long as I can.”
Bel said: “As a family, we continue to benefit from the support of Sue Ryder, which is why we are committed to doing whatever we can to help them continue with their life-enhancing work.
“Having Sue Ryder in our lives really does make a difference. They have given me and my family true peace of mind, helping us manage the different stages of motor neurone disease, with a focus on maximising the best quality of life as possible.”
Supported by her children Letty and Joby, Bel plans to complete her wheelchair walks in and around the Cotswolds, taking in woodlands and arboretums that the family enjoy.
Letty said: ‘It has been extremely difficult to watch our mum go through this devastating illness over the last six years and be stripped of so many capabilities we all take for granted.
“We have always been an active family, watching mum complete half-marathons with ease and taking on challenges like the Mud Run as a family team.
“Despite living with, and battling this degenerative condition, mum has demonstrated an inner strength and resolve to live life to the full. “We are so proud of her every day.” Joby, who recently completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise awareness of MND, said: ‘The effect this illness has had has been heartbreaking and testing for us all – in particular for our mum, who faces challenges every day.
“I want to do anything I can to contribute towards finding a cure for this devastating condition. Mum has inspired me all the way throughout my life – and always will do.”
Bel, who plans to complete four walks each week, continues to be supported by the team at the hospice, where she spent a week as an inpatient last year. The family have also been assisted by Sue Ryder’s occupational health team, who visited their home to help put the correct equipment in place. And Bel had regular phone contact with the Leckhampton healthcare team throughout the first lockdown.
To support the 100-mile challenge you can donate at www.justgiving. com/ fundraising/ cornwellfamilysueryder.