Hampton Hill Mum set to tackle Everest to raise funds for Woking Hospice. By Community Correspondent Richard Sharp

Jo said, “The help, care and support given not only to my mother, but also to my father, sisters and me last year was absolutely amazing. The staff really opened our eyes to another area of care we previously had no real knowledge or experience of. The staff at the Hospice gave Mummy the proper care she needed whilst she stayed there, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere. When she came home for her last few days they again helped us hugely as a family, not just helping us to organize carers to visit, but with all round help in every area and also all the equipment we needed to make Anna's last days with us as comfy and pleasant as possible. This help was not only massively beneficial to Mummy, but also a great support and comfort to Daddy, Jane, Shena and me.”

“My life changed massively when my lovely mother died. I realised many things, one being that life has to be led to the full, that it is fragile and unreliable and round the next corner lies, well who knows what. Of course this was coupled with the amazing help from Woking Hospice and the realisation and full understanding that this Hospice and many places like it rely solely on donations and fundraising. That made me think about what I could do to help raise money. Doing something to push myself well outside of my comfort zone and to rely totally on myself. To shed my usual responsibilities and use whatever common sense and wit I hope I may possess. That’s why I made the decision to trek to Everest Base Camp over the Easter holidays to raise money for Woking Hospice.

It now seems the most natural decision of my life. This is my way to help and to thank them.”

“The trek will take just under three weeks, reaching the base camp at Kala Pattar (at 5545metres) after about 10 to13 days. I'm sure, it’s going to be extremely challenging; dealing with the possibility of altitude sickness, very basic facilities and the fact that it's a jolly long way! I’m a single mum and really can't imagine just how much I'm going to miss my lovely young .son Guy.

I hope he'll forgive me for being away over Easter, He’s looking forward to all the sleep overs though!”

“I’ve never spent a night under canvas in my lifes. Actually I’ve never spent a night where I couldn’t have a warm shower, the use of a hairdryer and a fully flushing toilet! I like crisp cotton bed sheets and PG tips as my first drink of the day, made with milk delivered to my doorstep and drunk from a clean, bone china cup. Mind you, Nepalese tea with Yak, sorry Nak, milk is going to be worth trying! ”

“In preparation for my trek I have stepped up my daily dog walks generally walking for a minimum of 2 hours every day and then cycling to work in Petersham. When time allows at the weekend, I will often walk for 6 or 7 hours which I thoroughly enjoy! I have been on some training weekends in Snowdonia which are quite tough and I will be repeating these over the next few weeks!”

Woking Hospice provides care for terminally ill patients and their families residing in West Surrey. It takes around £7,000 per day to cover the elements of care including people staying in the hospice, day care and in the wider community which the hospice serves and somehow, with all that pressure, the atmosphere is still intimate, warm, caring and friendly. The Hospice provides a quiet, comfortable oasis for people aged 18 and over who have a life limiting illness. The facilities include individual en-suite rooms, day care service, counselling, chaplaincy and a range of complimentary therapies.

Friends and family have already pledged £4,452 towards Jo’s trek but her aim is to raise at least £7,000. If you feel you can help and make a contribution please go to the Just Giving website – www.justgiving.com/ joadam There’s also Jo’s collecting cans for the Woking Hospice in Hampton Hill Hardware, The Star, The Cavan Bakery, the Post Office, La Familia and Noble Green Wines in Hampton Hill. Please help if you can.