Julie’s journey with St Barnabas began in 2010 when her husband Chris was fighting cancer.
Sadly, the cancer had spread to his brain and caring for him singlehandedly was getting too much for Julie. That’s when St Barnabas stepped in.
Chris wanted to remain at home and it was Julie’s hope too, for the sake of their teenage sons Jacob and Reuben. She wanted the boys to be part of the journey and understand that time was precious. So when our Hospice at Home nurses could take care of Chris at home, they all felt relief. And when Chris passed away sooner than expected during the night, Julie and the boys were able to be with him thanks to the nurse who woke them up to be by his side.
Julie and her sons have supported St Barnabas since that day. In May 2022, they trekked to the summit of North Africa’s highest mountain, Toubkal. The challenge was planned for 2020 to mark the ten-year anniversary of Chris’ passing, but the Covid-19 pandemic had other ideas and instead, it commemorated 40 years since Julie and Chris first started dating.
Standing 4167 metres above sea level with searing heat at its base and snow on its peak, Julie didn’t take it on lightly. She put everything into training for the trek – running, Pilates, Zumba, yoga and badminton! She began the adventure worried she wouldn’t make it, but her training paid off and she completed the three-day challenge still smiling.
The trek was a fitting tribute to Chris, who enjoyed family walks and would’ve loved to do it himself. Walking with the boys was a special moment for Julie too, and they spent a lot of time talking about Chris, sharing memories and keeping him in their thoughts.
Julie and her sons raised £7,500 to add to the money they’ve raised for the Hospice over the previous 12 years. From supporting a 24-hour ladder climb organised by Chris’ fire service colleagues to organising pub quizzes, race nights and afternoon teas, they’ve done all sorts of fundraising for us. And for her 50th birthday, Julie threw herself out of an aeroplane. As a teaching assistant, her colleagues hoped to show the children a video of Julie’s skydive, but they couldn’t risk them lip-reading Julie as she plummeted through the air!
We think it’s fair to say Julie is one courageous woman with a very generous heart, and with a family that’s a credit to her and Chris.
In her own words…
“I think it’s important to raise money for the Hospice. What they do for patients and families like mine is remarkable. Now I’ve finished work, I’ll likely get more involved as a volunteer and help with the team’s fundraising events. I’m even considering another trek, this time in the Columbian jungle!”
To see all 40 Faces and their stories, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/40faces