Lancaster: St John's Hospice India Dalai Lama trek raises £166,000

The team started their journey through the Himalayas to support the Lancaster hospice that has provided care and compassion to their loved ones.

The trek involved wild camping in the mountains and navigating steep hills, forests, and narrow passes on uneven ground.

The trekkers faced temperatures ranging from zero to 20C at varying altitudes.

They also placed prayer flags on Moon Peak to honour the lives of their loved ones.

This wasn’t a walk, it was a challenging trek, which saw the team tackling steep hills and forests (Image: Supplied)

Catherine Butterworth, director of income generation, said: "The team spirit was incredible and the trekkers' love for St John's was truly humbling.

"It was one of the toughest and most spiritual treks I’ve been part of.

"I’ll never forget the day Maddy Bass, our director of nursing, stood on a mountain to lead a short reflection time for everyone to remember their loved ones."

The trekkers also had the opportunity to visit monasteries, Hindu settlements, the home of the Dalai Lama, and the Taj Mahal.

Carl Butler, a long-standing supporter and St John's Hospice trekker, said: "Over 30 people with their own stories, their own reasons for being there.

"It was an absolute privilege to share this amazing experience with such a wonderful bunch of human beings.

"Thank you and well done to all."

There was some time at the beginning and close of the Trek to visit monasteries, Hindu settlements, the home of the Dalai Lama, and the Taj Mahal (Image: Supplied)

Amanda Broster, another trekker, said: "It really has been the most incredible 11 days.

"Memories made to last a lifetime, friends made for life.

"Emotionally and physically hard it was but we all pulled together and stood side by side encouraging one another along the way for such a great cause."

Jason Park, also part of the team, said: "You could feel the full majesty of everyone’s commitment and dedication to St John’s as we stood on top of the highest point."

St John’s Hospice is holding two further treks to raise money for the palliative and end of life care (Image: Supplied)

St John's Hospice is planning two more treks to raise funds for their palliative and end-of-life care services.

They are inviting people to take on the Camino de Santiago Trek in Spain in 2025, or St John’s 40th Anniversary Trek in 2026 to China, where their first trek took place.

Anyone interested in these challenges can contact the hospice at fundraising@sjhospice.org.uk.