The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Friends’ epic hike for hospice
Two friends braved sub-zero temperatures on a fundraising hike around wintry Iceland to help Peterborough’s Thorpe Hall Hospice.
Natalie Torrens, from Newborough, and Theresa Gillett, from Deeping St James, pulled on their hiking boots and trekked through wild and rugged landscapes.
The trek, which took place at the end of last year, saw the pair hike across miles of snowcovered terrain, accompanied by a group of fellow Sue Ryder supporters.
Natalie and Theresa have raised £9,593 for the hospice.
The big-hearted pair raised the money through donations and by organising activities ahead of the trek such as a virtual raffle and auction. Some of their friends supported their fundraising efforts by doing parachute jumps and singing Christmas carols online.
Natalie and Theresa said: “The Iceland trek surpassed all of our expectations! We saw some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. .
“We are delighted to have raised £9,593, which is part of our on-going fundraising for the hospice. We would really like to thank all our family and friends for their support and to everyone who donated prizes or purchased auction items or raffle tickets. We could not do what we do without their support.”
Natalie and Theresa, who are members of Empire Gym in Market Deeping, started raising vital funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice several years ago.
They explained: “We went to an information evening at our gym where we heard the hospice’s fundraising team speak so passionately about the hospice. It made us really want to do something to help.
“We have also had personal experience of using the hospice’s services and this has further inspired us to carry on fundraising. ”
Joely Garner, community fundraising manager at the hospice, said: “Congratulations to our super supporters Natalie and Theresa for braving the snow, wind and rain to complete your incredible Iceland challenge. We want to say a huge thank you for going the extra mile and for your on-going support of our hospice.
“If you are inspired by Natalie and Theresa, we are searching for other supporters who can take on events and challenges to raise crucial funds.
“Our hospice’s fundraising team would love to hear your ideas. You can email us at thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 01733 225 999. You can also browse our event calendar at www.sueryder.org/events.”