A couple from Trawden say a hospice in Reedley made an “immense difference” to their families as they went through a difficult and painful experience.

Daniel and Laura Vickery will be taking part in The Great Pendleside Trek, a 35-mile circular endurance event, taking place on Saturday, September 7.

With deep personal connections to Pendleside Hospice, Daniel and Laura are eager to raise funds and awareness of the essential services the hospice provides.

They are also fundraising for the event and, at the time of writing, have raised more than  £130.

Daniel said: “We love to go out walking and spend many of our weekends outdoors, so to do something we love whilst raising money for such a worthy cause is a great opportunity.

!It will also be the longest trek we have attempted and we like a challenge."

The couple has been training regularly, often accompanied by their two children, and have already explored parts of the route in preparation.

Laura said: “We’re so fortunate to live in such a beautiful rural area with lots of places to explore, so we have no excuse not to get out there and enjoy it!”

For Daniel, the trek is a tribute to his late mother Michelle, who spent some time in the Hospice in 2007, while facing secondary breast cancer.

Daniel said: “The care she received at Pendleside helped control her pain, allowing her to enjoy one last holiday in Tenerife before she passed away.

"Pendleside made an immense difference to our entire family during a very difficult time.” 

Laura’s connection to Pendleside is equally heartfelt. Her nana, Vicky, spent her last few weeks at the Hospice in January 2010 after a challenging hospital stay.

She said: “Not only was my nana living with cancer, but she had also suffered a fall, requiring an emergency hip operation.

"My mum contacted Pendleside for help, and they stepped in right away. The hospice treated my nana with such dignity, and it was comforting for us all to see her happy and at peace during the end of her life.

“We don’t know what we would have done without Pendleside, but it’s a blessing to us that they both received the best care during the final weeks and days of their lives.”

The Vickerys are trekking not only in memory of their loved ones but also to give back to the hospice that has given so much to their family.

“We know they would think we are crazy for taking on this challenge, but they would be extremely proud that we are raising money for such a fantastic charity,” they said.

Their advice to anyone considering the trek is simple :“Do something that steps you out of your comfort zone!

"Although it will be a huge challenge, it’ll be a great day out with like-minded people, who are all doing it to raise money for a worthy cause.”

A spokesperson for Pendleside Hospice said: “We rely heavily on fundraising events like The Great Pendleside Trek, and the generosity and support of our participants, supporters and donors.

"If this sounds like the type of challenge for you, we encourage you to take part!”

Starting and finishing at Pendleside Hospice, the trek will take in some of Burnley and Pendle’s most stunning countryside, including the iconic Pendle Hill and segments of the scenic Pendle Way.

Participants can choose to walk or run the route, with walkers setting off at 6am and runners at 8am.

The challenge is open to everyone, with the flexibility to complete the full 35-mile route or finish at designated aid stations positioned along the way at 13 miles (Barley) or 21 miles (Laneshawbridge).

Those involved in the trek will enjoy a well-supported route, with help from The Sunnywood Project, and includes six aid stations approximately five to seven miles apart.

Each station will have staff and volunteers to assist and ensure everyone’s safety and well-being. Although the event is not a race and will not be timed, participants can track their progress using apps like Strava or a fitness watch. 

If you would like to sponsor Laura and Daniel on their incredible challenge, go to justgiving.com/page/daniel-and-laura-trek-for-pendleside