Four amazing supporters from Wrexham have raised over £800 by walking the Sandstone Trail from Frodsham to Whitchurch.

On Saturday May 9^th, Joss, Mike, Karolina and Faye took on the 36.5-mile hike which had extra significance as Mike’s two-year-old son, Cassian, was on a respite care stay at Hope House that weekend.

Solidifying their bond to the cause was Lindsey Hughes, a close friend of Joss’ who lost her son eight years ago and received support.

Part of your team

Mike shared: “When Cass was born at 26 weeks and just 2lbs 2oz, he needed surgery within 24hrs for a very rare Tracheal condition.

“Sadly, he developed suspected Sepsis and suffered a brain injury.

“We had all the conversations, and he couldn’t breathe by himself. We said our goodbyes and on Easter Monday took him off his ventilator – but he did it, he sussed it out himself and here we are now.”

After trialling care for Cassian locally, they decided to take the step and visit Hope House.

“Within two minutes of walking through the door, we had decided it was amazing.

“All the staff are brilliant, and you feel like they are part of your team,” said Mike.

The four friends all know each other through their love of cold-water swimming in the Bersham Bathers club.

Joss explained that when he decided to take on the Sandstone Trail challenge, he thought of his good friend and colleague, Lindsey Hughes.

A place to be heard

Lindsey said: “Hope House was a lifeline after my son, Tate died.

“It was a place to go to be heard when your world is upside down.

“Joss and I had our sons within weeks of each other, and he has been there from the start.

“The combination of support from friends like Joss and Hope House can really get you through.

“I’m so proud of them all for their fundraising efforts.”

Boost

Joss commented: “The official walk is 34-miles, but we did about 36.5 miles as there was a diversion.

“We did it in 15hrs and were lucky with the weather, and there was some glorious scenery in the Cheshire countryside.

“Another six people joined us in the afternoon so that gave us a boost.

“Hope House were a massive help to Lindsey, and I asked her if we could do it in memory of Tate.”

Fundraiser, Bethan Young said: “It’s so touching when friends and family rally together in memory to do something wonderful like this.

“Everything Joss and the team have raised will go directly to helping us provide happy memories and precious respite to local children and families living with a life-threatening condition.

“Thank you all so much and very well done on the hike.”

They raised over £800.

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