On Monday 21st August 2023, fundraiser Kate Francis started her challenge of cycling 160 miles between the HeART Trail Sculpture across Lincolnshire, in support of St Barnabas.
Split across 6 days, Kate is hoping to cycle from Gainsborough to Louth, whilst stopping at each of the 30 HeARTs that together form the St Barnabas Hospice HeART Trail, to raise vital funds for local Hospice Care.
When asked why she was taking on this challenge, Kate said: “I first saw the ‘HeART of the Community’ HeART at Sutton on Sea while visiting my family. That night, I thought how amazing it would be to do a bike ride between all the HeARTs to raise funds and awareness for St Barnabas. So, I decided I was going to do it!
“Along with camping kit I already have, a friend has lent me a touring bike and some amazing campsites have given me free or reduced rate accommodation. I am super grateful to everyone that has helped me.
Kate’s decision to take on this challenge to support St Barnabas was influenced by a recent experience her family had with the Hospice.
“St Barnabas came into our family’s life at the beginning of this year, when a very close family member needed to receive care and support. The Hospice supported my family member with weekly visits from nurses and their Occupational Therapist, in addition to assisting with prescriptions, appointments and securing vital equipment.
The Hospice helped make all of us feel as supported as possible in such a horrible situation. The whole family and I will be forever grateful for their amazing work.
So far, with the help of friends and family, Kate has managed to raise an incredible £439, with the hopes to smash her target of £500! If you can support Kate, please sponsor her by going to her JustGiving Page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/kate-cycles-heart-trail
On behalf of everyone at St Barnabas Hospice, thank you, Kate, for your incredible inspirational fundraising challenge, that will make a real difference to hospice care across our County.