Nurses take on the challenge of a lifetime for hospice care

Hilda Wild and Paula McNally

Two nurses at Springhill Hospice are taking on the challenge of a lifetime to raise money for Springhill Hospice.

Paula McNally and Hilda Wild are taking on a once-in-a-lifetime trek, this October, to the Kerala area of Southern India where they will explore and experience some breath-taking sights as well as volunteer in a local children’s hospice.

The challenge will involve trekking for up to seven hours a day for four consecutive days across uneven terrain and in high temperatures, climbing to a height of 2,640 metres and following a route through the highest tea estate in the world. They will cross the second highest peak in South India and trek through the rolling grasslands of the Western Ghats.

At the end of their trek, Paula and Hilda will spend two days helping at a local children’s hospice. The hospice cares for children with cancer, alongside providing support for their families.

Speaking about the experience, Hilda said: “We are taking on this challenge trek to India for Springhill because it’s a wonderful place that deserves our support. We're really excited about taking on this trip and in particular having the chance to spend some time at the local children's hospice and to share some of their experiences. That might be harder than the trek itself - and that's a big challenge.”

“It’s hot days, cold nights, strong sunshine and the possibility of rain, camping overnight on the hills with a hole in the ground for a toilet and cold-water showers,” Paula added. “The beautiful countryside should make up for it though and spending time with the children will be a real chance to give something back.”

“It’s going to be a big physical challenge but we’re ready for it,” Hilda went on. “We would be grateful for anyone to support our fundraising for Springhill if they can.”

To help Paula and Hilda with their fundraising drive supporting Springhill, you can make a donation online at:

• www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paula-and-hilda-india2020

For information about the South India trek taking place from 8 to 18 October and how to sign up, visit www.springhill.org.uk/challenges which also includes challenge treks to Mount Toubkal in Morocco and the Yorkshire Three Peaks.